Chase Haslett's potential Steelers hire signals a modern offensive shift, unlocking stagnant play through a tight end's unique passing game perspective.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently undergoing a facelift that would make a Hollywood plastic surgeon blush. Following Mike Tomlin’s departure, new head coach Mike McCarthy is rapidly assembling a "Who’s Who" of coaches he trusts—largely men with deep ties to his Green Bay and Dallas days.
But among the flurry of hires, one interview stands out as a signal that the Steelers are finally ready to join the modern NFL era with Chase Haslett.
The Saints’ current tight ends coach has officially interviewed for a dual role in Pittsburgh as the Tight Ends Coach and Passing Game Coordinator. While the casual fan might focus on the big-name coordinator hires, the potential addition of Haslett is the move that could actually unlock the Steelers' stagnant offense.
The McCarthy Connection (and the Local Ties)
Haslett isn’t just some random name off a list. He is the son of former head coach for the New Orleans Saints (2000–2005)
Haslett broke into the NFL as a quality control coach under McCarthy in Dallas in 2020. In a league where "who you know" gets you in the door, Haslett has the pedigree. But it’s "what he knows" that makes this an intriguing opinion piece for the Black and Gold faithful.
Why This Matters for the Offense
The Steelers aren't just looking for a guy to teach blocking technique. They want Haslett as their Passing Game Coordinator. In New Orleans, we saw why he's earned that "rising star" reputation. Haslett’s background as a college quarterback at IUP and Illinois gives him a unique "macro" view of the field. He doesn't just coach tight ends to run routes; he understands how to use them to manipulate safeties and open up the perimeter for the wide receivers.
If he heads to Pittsburgh, the Saints aren't just losing a position coach; they’re losing a key architect of the offensive resurgence we’re trying to build around Shough.
Look at what Haslett did in New Orleans last season:
- Juwan Johnson's Leap: Under Haslett’s tutelage, Johnson became a focal point, racking up 77 receptions and nearly 900 yards.
- The "Hybrid" Utility: Haslett specializes in the modern, athletic tight end—the kind of player who creates mismatches against linebackers.
The McCarthy Factor
Let’s be honest, this feels like a poaching mission. Mike McCarthy gave Haslett his first NFL break in Dallas, and now that McCarthy is trying to rebuild the Steelers in his image, he’s coming back for his favorite pupil.
For Saints fans, it’s a frustratingly familiar story. We find a talented young coach, they help our players overachieve, and a "big market" team with a legendary brand name comes knocking with a promotion. It’s nature of the game.
The Bottom Line
The hiring of Mike McCarthy was a move toward stability and veteran leadership. However, the potential hiring of Chase Haslett represents the innovation side of the coin.
By bringing in a young, rising coach who understands how to coordinate a modern passing attack through the lens of the tight end position, the Steelers are signaling they are done with the "three yards and a cloud of dust" mentality. The Steelers might see Chase Haslett as the "missing link" to fix their offensive woes, but to us, he’s a vital piece of the future we’re trying to secure. Pittsburgh has plenty of history; they don't need to steal our coaching talent to write their next chapter.