Steelers Set to Hire Montana State Defensive Coordinator Shawn Howe as Outside Linebackers Coach
The move brings the FCS champion’s defensive play-caller to Mike McCarthy’s expanding staff for his first NFL role.
Overview
- Multiple outlets on Feb. 4 reported Howe will join Pittsburgh to coach outside linebackers and edge defenders, with Montana Sports first to report.
- The Montana State leader helped deliver the 2025 FCS title and top-20 national defensive rankings, highlighted by strong results in scoring defense, total defense, sacks and takeaways.
- Howe joined MSU in 2021 and rose from defensive line coach to co-defensive coordinator in 2024 and defensive coordinator in 2025.
- PennLive reports he is expected to replace Denzel Martin after Pittsburgh evaluated other college candidates, including Texas Tech assistant C. J. Ah You.
- The Steelers confirmed other staff additions this week, naming Brian Angelichio, Danny Crossman, Domata Peko, Joe Whitt Jr. and Pat Reilly to assistant roles.