Defensive shifts and coaching changes in the AFC

Officials and New Challenges

The NFL Owners voted 31-1 to allow coaches to challenge pass interference and non-pass interference calls, which Sean Payton supported to avoid the specific officiating errors seen in the NFC Title Game. Mike Brown, the owner of the Cincinnati Bengals, provided the lone dissenting vote against this expansion. This rule change preserves coaching strategy because managers must decide when to use their challenges to avoid abnormal stoppages. You should keep an eye on how this affects game flow in the upcoming weeks.

Pittsburgh’s Defensive Standard

Pittsburgh holds the NFL’s longest active streak of avoiding a last-place division finish at 34 years. Mike Tomlin’s defense allows only 5.9 points per game in the second half of the 2026 season, which ranks second in the league behind Minnesota’s 5.4. This defensive success supports a franchise that has avoided 10-loss seasons since 1988. In 2003, the Steelers finished with a record that left the Cleveland Browns one game behind them. The current roster relies on offensive line additions like Broderick Jones and Isaac Seumalo to support skill players such as Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and George Pickens.

The AFC North remains difficult because the Ravens possess a healthy Lamar Jackson and the Bengals include Joe Burrow. The Bengals function as an offensive juggernaut that will be Super Bowl contenders for as long as Joe Burrow wears black and orange stripes. The Browns also remain competitive as Deshaun Watson provides his first opportunity at a full season in over two years, though the differential between roster talent and projection remains slight compared to the Steelers. The entire division was split at 3-3 last year as each series between the four teams was split evenly. Even though the division remains tight, the Steelers’ ability to limit second-half scoring keeps them competitive. In 1999, the Steelers finished fourth in the AFC Central with a 6-10 record, which remains their only fourth-place finish in this 34-year span. The 1988 Chuck Noll-coached team finished last in the division with a 5-11 record. That roster included Bubby Brister, who threw 14 interceptions to 11 touchdowns while adding six rushing scores. This rushing total was three more than any running back on that squad. Merril Hoge and Warren Williams rushed for over 1,100 yards, while Louis Lipps recorded 50 receptions and fell just short of 1,000 yards. Rod Woodson and Greg Lloyd led a defense that finished 28th in the league.

McDermott’s Coaching Future

Buffalo ownership fired Sean McDermott to pursue a different path toward a Super Bowl after seeing their championship window slowly closing. McDermott led the Bills since the 2017 offseason but never reached the championship game. Some observers, such as Ed O and AJ Epo, claim the defensive scheme fails because the defensive linemen lack the size to compete against heavier opponents. This critique suggests the defensive style relies on smoke and mirrors rather than physical dominance. Will McDermott find a head coaching role in Pittsburgh or Baltimore?

Tom Pelissero noted that Pittsburgh remains a potential landing spot for McDermott, even though such a hire falls outside the Steelers’ normal patterns. McDermott and Tomlin played on the same college football team and maintain a close relationship. If McDermott cannot secure a head coaching position, he may serve as a defensive coordinator to remain closer to the players. Leslie Frazier also seeks a new role after leaving his position with the Bills. McDermott previously served as the Eagles defensive coordinator under Jim Schwartz. He has also expressed enjoyment in returning to the weeds of coaching to work side-by-side with players. Von Miller also expressed excitement to see what the head coach can do in a more hands-on role.