Key background on Austin:
– 35 years of coaching experience, with DC stints in Detroit (Lions) and Cincinnati (Bengals) plus early NFL work with the Seahawks. 📊
– With the Lions in 2014, the defense excelled—2nd in yards and 3rd in points. ⚡
– In 2018 with the Bengals, the unit struggled badly—one of the worst in the league in yards and points. ⚾
– Joined the Steelers in 2019 and became DC in 2022. Over four seasons, the defense ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense three times, but never top 10 in yards allowed. 🏈
Takeaways and trends:
– The Steelers leaned on ball production, finishing in the top eight in takeaways in each of the past three years, including 2024 leading the league in takeaways. 📊
– However, in 2025 the unit regressed to 26th in yards allowed and 29th in pass defense, a notable drop from earlier years. 🔥
Commanders’ situation:
– Washington finished 2025 at 27th in points allowed and last in yards yielded, prompting their DC search. 🏈
Notes on the broader coaching picture:
– With Austin in the mix for Washington and other Steelers coordinators drawing interest, the league’s coaching carousel is active. The Buccaneers have already hired Steelers special teams coach Danny Smith, and changes in Pittsburgh could set the stage for a new DC arrangement if a defensive-minded head coach comes aboard. 📊
Bottom line: Austin is a clear candidate for an external DC role, and his track record—highlighted by strong takeaways and a mixed yardage profile—will keep him squarely in the spotlight as teams look to fortify their defenses. 🔥🏈
