Steelers Assistant Coach Denzel Martin Joins Chargers

Denzel Martin, who was a longtime assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is moving to the Los Angeles Chargers. This happens after changes in the Steelers' coaching team.
By Newsroom | NFL, Coaching |

A longtime assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers has reportedly left the team to join the Los Angeles Chargers. This departure follows a significant shift in the Steelers' coaching staff after the exit of former head coach Mike Tomlin and the subsequent hiring of Mike McCarthy as his replacement. The move highlights a period of transition for the Steelers, with multiple coaches in flux as the new leadership team assembles its roster.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are experiencing a notable period of change within their coaching ranks. Following the unexpected departure of Mike Tomlin, the team has seen its coaching staff undergo substantial alterations. The recent hiring of Mike McCarthy as the new head coach has accelerated this process, as new leadership often brings in their preferred personnel. This has led to several assistant coaches, particularly those who served under Tomlin, being in uncertain positions, creating an environment where departures are becoming increasingly common.

Coaching Staff Realignment

The Steelers' coaching staff has been in a state of flux. With Mike Tomlin stepping down as head coach, remaining staff members under his tenure were reportedly given the opportunity to seek new employment. This situation was described as a somber one for the team, with Tomlin's final address to the players likened to a "speech at a funeral." The organization's primary focus at this juncture is the selection of a new head coach who can maintain a culture similar to the one established by Tomlin.

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  • Mike Tomlin's Exit: Stepped down as head coach.

  • Assistant Coach Freedom: Coaches under Tomlin's contract were allowed to explore other opportunities.

  • Contractual End: All coaches were under contract through the end of February.

  • New Leadership Search: The team's top priority is hiring a new head coach.

  • Interviewees: Brian Flores (former Steelers defensive coordinator) and Nate Scheelhaase (Rams passing game coordinator) were among those interviewed.

Key Departure to AFC Rival

One significant departure involves a coach described as a "respected defensive mind" and a "bright spot" on the Steelers' coaching staff. This individual's expertise as a former linebacker reportedly allowed for effective mentorship of Pittsburgh's defensive unit, making them a valuable member of Mike Tomlin's team. Losing such a coach to an AFC competitor, specifically the Jets—a team that has faced significant struggles in recent years—is viewed as a potentially concerning development for the Steelers.

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  • Respected Coach: Characterized as a "bright spot" and a "respected defensive mind."

  • Player Background: Former linebacker, aiding in player mentorship.

  • AFC Rival Move: Departed for the New York Jets.

  • Steelers Concerns: Departure signals potential deeper issues amid fan frustration.

  • On-Field Struggles: Coincides with team-wide issues on both offense and defense.

Assistant Coach's Move to Los Angeles

Another report indicates that Denzel Martin, a longtime assistant coach with the Steelers, is joining the Los Angeles Chargers. This move is directly linked to the coaching changes following Mike McCarthy's appointment as the new Steelers leader. Martin was reportedly in an uncertain position with the new staff but has secured a role with the Chargers as an assistant outside linebackers coach. He will be working under the Chargers' new defensive coordinator, Chris O'Leary. This indicates a broader pattern of assistant coaches moving to new organizations as teams reshuffle their leadership.

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  • Longtime Assistant: Denzel Martin is identified as the departing coach.

  • New Employer: Joining the Los Angeles Chargers.

  • New Role: Assistant outside linebackers coach.

  • New Coordinator: Will work with Chargers DC Chris O'Leary.

  • McCarthy's Influence: Martin's departure is a result of Mike McCarthy's hiring and subsequent staff changes.

Expert Analysis

The ongoing coaching turnover within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, marked by the departure of key assistants, suggests a significant strategic realignment. The exodus of coaches, particularly those with established ties to the previous regime, is a common, albeit often challenging, aspect of a coaching transition. The move of assistant coaches to rival teams, especially within the same conference, raises questions about competitive intelligence and the overall stability of the team's player development pipeline.

  • "The departure of assistant coaches is a natural consequence of a head coaching change. The new coach wants to implement their system and often brings in their own staff," noted one observer. "However, the volume of these departures, and their movement to rival teams, could suggest a broader organizational reevaluation or potentially a signal of dissatisfaction within certain coaching circles."

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Steelers are navigating a period of substantial coaching transition. The departures of assistant coaches, including Denzel Martin, to other NFL teams, notably AFC rivals, underscore the ripple effects of Mike Tomlin's departure and the subsequent hiring of Mike McCarthy. These moves indicate a broad reshuffling of personnel as the new coaching staff takes shape. The Steelers' immediate focus remains on solidifying their head coaching position, with a clear intention to cultivate a culture that mirrors the one previously led by Tomlin. The subsequent assembly of the full coaching staff will be crucial in defining the team's direction and competitive trajectory for the upcoming seasons.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Denzel Martin?
Denzel Martin was a longtime assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He worked with the team for many years.
Q: Where is Denzel Martin going?
He is joining the Los Angeles Chargers. He will be their assistant outside linebackers coach.
Q: Why did Denzel Martin leave the Steelers?
The Steelers had many coaching changes after their head coach, Mike Tomlin, left. The new coach, Mike McCarthy, is changing the staff.
Q: Is this common after a coach leaves?
Yes, it is normal for assistant coaches to move when a new head coach is hired. The new coach often brings in their own staff.