The Pittsburgh Steelers' coaching transition under new head coach Mike McCarthy is gaining momentum. On January 28, 2026, the organization finalized a deal to bring Ramon Chinyoung aboard as the team's new running backs coach. Chinyoung, who spent the previous season as the offensive line coach for the Dallas Cowboys, reunites with McCarthy, with whom he worked during McCarthy's tenure in Dallas. This hire represents a deliberate step by McCarthy to populate his staff with familiar faces who understand his system and expectations.
Chinyoung's transition from coaching the offensive line to leading the running backs room is a notable shift, but his extensive background in offensive schematics and trench play is viewed as a significant asset. His primary charge will be to maximize the production of a backfield expected to be led by Jaylen Warren. Warren, re-signed to a one-year tender for the 2025 season, is poised to retain the RB1 role despite the presence of 2025 draft pick Kaleb Johnson. Chinyoung's expertise in run-blocking concepts will be crucial in revitalizing a Steelers ground game that seeks more consistency in the 2026 season.
This appointment is part of a broader staff-building phase for McCarthy, who was emotionally introduced as head coach on January 29. The search for a defensive coordinator remains ongoing, with reports indicating McCarthy is set to hire one of his former assistants for the role. However, the Steelers faced a setback in assembling their staff, as special teams coordinator candidate Bubba Ventrone declined an interview request and instead accepted a position with the Los Angeles Rams. The Chinyoung hiring signals a clear offensive philosophy shift and underscores McCarthy's hands-on approach in constructing his inaugural Steelers coaching cabinet.