Steelers coaching staff update: Former Saints star Jahri Evans joins Mike McCarthy team

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ new era under head coach Mike McCarthy continues to take shape. In the latest development, former New Orleans Saints star and Hall of Fame finalist Jahri Evans is expected to join McCarthy’s coaching staff.According to multiple reports, Evans will take up a role as an assistant offensive line coach in Pittsburgh. The move reunites him with McCarthy, who was Evans’ head coach during the final season of his playing career with the Green Bay Packers in 2017.Evans is widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive linemen in Saints history. Drafted in the fourth round in 2006, he became a cornerstone of New Orleans’ dominant offense for more than a decade. During his time with the Saints, Evans earned six Pro Bowl selections and four first-team All-Pro honors. He was also part of the team that won Super Bowl XLIV.After retiring from playing, Evans returned to New Orleans in 2022 to begin his coaching career. He started as a coaching intern and gradually worked his way up, serving as the assistant offensive line coach over the past season. His steady growth within the Saints organization made him a respected young coach.Since being hired to replace longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, McCarthy has been working quickly to assemble his staff. Bringing in Evans shows a clear pattern McCarthy is leaning on coaches and former players he knows and trusts.Evans’ familiarity with McCarthy’s system and coaching style likely played a big role in this hire. The two worked together during Evans’ final NFL season in Green Bay, and that connection appears to have remained strong.The Steelers are also in the process of changing their offensive staff after some recent changes. With new leaders in place, making the offensive line stronger will be a top objective, especially because the team wants to stabilize its attack before the 2026 season.Evans is also a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, with the official announcement expected soon. His decorated playing career adds credibility to his coaching profile, particularly when working with offensive linemen.This move is good for Pittsburgh since it gives them both experience and stability. Evans knows what it takes to be the best because he played for one of the league's most dynamic attacks when he was at his best.McCarthy is still putting up his staff, and the signing of Evans shows that he wants to build a strong foundation in the trenches. The Steelers' new coaching staff is slowly coming together for the 2026 season, with more additions expected in the next few weeks.