While the Pittsburgh Steelers are officially starting interviews for their vacancy at the offensive coordinator position, they are also reportedly getting ready to lock up their defensive coordinator to a new two-year contract.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the team is preparing to give Austin a new two-year contract:

The #Steelers are working to finalize a new two-year contract for defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, per sources.

Austin, with Pittsburgh since 2019, guided the league's sixth-ranked scoring defense.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 25, 2024

It is worth noting this new contract shouldn’t be viewed as a reward for his quality coaching in 2023, but merely a means to keep him in his current job. Austin’s contract was set to expire, and the team wasn’t about to have brand-new offensive and defensive coordinators in the same season.

Nonetheless, Austin has been with the Steelers since 2019 when he was brought on as the Senior Defensive Assistant/Secondary Coach to help then coordinator Keith Butler coordinate the back end of the defense. Following Butler’s retirement after the 2021 season, Austin was promoted to the defensive coordinator role.

Last season Austin’s unit was the 6th ranked defense, according to scoring. However, the team ranked 21st in the NFL, as it pertains to yards surrendered per game. Plenty of fans were frustrated with the defense in 2023, but when you look at the list of injuries the team suffered, you have to also see it as remarkable they were able to keep the ship afloat and make the postseason.

Key Injuries

• Cole Holcomb (season-ending knee injury)
• Kwon Alexander (season-ending Achilles injury)
• Cam Heyward (stint on IR after groin surgery)
• Minkah Fitzpatrick (two lengthy absences)
• Damontae Kazee (suspension)
• Montravius Adams (stint on IR)
• Keanu Neal (ended the season on IR)
• T.J. Watt (missed playoff game with knee injury)

The Steelers were a banged up defense, and the fact the organization is giving Austin a new deal signifies they are more than happy to see him extend his time with the team. Whether fans like it or not, Austin will be back for the 2024 season, and most likely the 2025 season.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the offseason.