Tolzien spurned the Steelers' OC offer for a calculated gamble. He prioritizes developing rising star Tyler Shough and his own future in New Orleans.
In the fast-paced carousel of NFL coaching hires, a "promotion" is usually a non-decision. When a position coach gets the chance to jump to Offensive Coordinator, they pack their bags before the ink on the offer sheet is dry. Yet, Scott Tolzien just threw a changeup.
Despite being the reported frontrunner for the Pittsburgh Steelers OC vacancy under his former mentor Mike McCarthy, Tolzien has chosen to remain in the Big Easy as the New Orleans Saints’ quarterbacks coach. On paper, it looks like a missed opportunity. In reality, it’s a calculated bet on his own rising stock and the stability of a project he’s only just begun.
The Allure of the Steel City
To understand why this was a difficult choice, you have to look at the ties that bind. Tolzien and McCarthy share a history that spans a decade:
- Player-Coach Bond: Tolzien played under McCarthy in Green Bay (2013–2015).
- The Dallas Years: McCarthy gave Tolzien his NFL coaching start, keeping him on staff for five seasons and eventually promoting him to QBs coach.
- The Title: Moving to Pittsburgh would have officially put "Offensive Coordinator" on his resume.
However, the Pittsburgh job came with a massive asterisk: Mike McCarthy calls the plays. For a young, "fast-riser" like the 38-year-old Tolzien, taking an OC job without play-calling authority can be a double-edged sword. You get the blame if the offense stumbles, but limited credit if it thrives.
The Tyler Shough Factor
The most compelling reason for Tolzien to stay is currently wearing #12 in New Orleans. Rookie Tyler Shough was one of the few bright spots in the Saints' 2025 season. Under Tolzien’s direct tutelage, Shough evolved from a raw prospect into a legitimate starter, completing nearly 68% of his passes and showing a pocket poise that few expected.
Coaching is about results, and Tolzien’s "body of work" is currently tethered to Shough's trajectory. By staying, Tolzien ensures:
- Consistency: He avoids the "coaching carousel" trap that ruins young QBs.
- Credit: If Shough takes a Year 2 leap, the NFL won’t credit Kellen Moore alone—they’ll look at the man in the meeting room every day.
- Leverage: Another strong year makes Tolzien a candidate for fullOC roles—the kind where he actually holds the clipboard and the headset.
A Win for Kellen Moore
For Saints head coach Kellen Moore, retaining Tolzien is a massive off-season victory. After a 6-11 finish, the last thing a young head coach needs is a brain drain. Tolzien provides a bridge of continuity for an offense that found its rhythm late in the year.
"I'm lucky that I'm in the position that I enjoy where I'm at... things are going really good, and yet, you always see what's out there." — Scott Tolzien at the Senior Bowl
Finishing What Was Started
Scott Tolzien didn't say no to Pittsburgh but rather he said yes to his own development. In an era where coaches often chase the biggest title as fast as possible, Tolzien is choosing to finish what he started in New Orleans. If Tyler Shough becomes the franchise savior the Saints hope he is, Tolzien won't just be an OC candidate in 2027—he'll be the top name on every list.