How Brian Angelichio Can Help Steelers Reach Next Level

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have an almost entirely new coaching staff heading into the 2026 season. Aside from a few holdovers, like quarterback coach Tom Arth and inside linebackers coach Scott McCurley, new head coach Mike McCarthy has completely revamped the group in Pittsburgh.

One of McCarthy’s biggest hires was naming Brian Angelichio as the Steelers' new offensive coordinator. A former tight ends coach with the Minnesota Vikings for the past four seasons before joining Pittsburgh, this will be Angelichio’s first time holding an offensive coordinator role in the NFL.

The hire was met with mixed reactions, with one consistent criticism emerging that he was inexperienced in the role he was taking over. But as this year’s owner meetings finish up in Arizona, we learned how valuable Angelichio has been as a coach in this league. After the initial reactions have faded, maybe it’s time we get a little excited about the team’s new OC in 2026 and what he can do to improve the offense.

Red Zone Help Incoming

The Steelers were a bottom-10 team offense in 2025, and one of the main areas they need to improve this upcoming campaign is in the red zone. Granted, starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers did his part last season. He went 59-for-111, good for a 53.2% completion rate and 20 touchdowns to 2 interceptions in the red zone.

Still, the team failed to generate enough red zone opportunities. And even when they did, they didn't convert at a strong enough rate. According to data compiled from teamrankings.com, the Steelers converted just 56.6% of their red zone trips into touchdowns.

That's where Angelichio comes in. According to his former boss with the Vikings, Kevin O'Connell, he was a "vital" piece of finding red zone success.

"He has been vital for me in the red zone in our four years together here,” he said. “When you look at situational football, early down success, and how you tie it all together, he is so prepared for this opportunity. It’s long overdue for him to be able to coordinate."

Minnesota coach Kevin O'Connell speaks glowingly of new Steelers OC Brian Angelichio. pic.twitter.com/siW5Bfg6In
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) March 30, 2026

A Boost for the Tight Ends?

For Pittsburgh, finding that red zone success means getting their tight ends more involved. With Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, the team has two weapons built for catching touchdowns in tight. Both are big-bodied receivers who can make difficult catches.

Angelichio also has nothing but experience working with the position. He's worked as a tight ends coach with six different NFL organizations since 2012, and his main task in Pittsburgh is no different. He needs to get the tight ends involved more, especially inside the 20-yard line.

Maybe, just maybe, Angelichio can help the Steelers reach that next level.

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