Steelers Hold Fast: Teryl Austin to Remain Defensive Coordinator in 2024
As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate a transitional phase with their offensive coordinator position, one element of continuity has emerged: Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin will retain his role in the upcoming 2024 season. With Austin at the helm, the Steelers’ defense has exhibited signs of progress, culminating in top-10 rankings for points allowed in both 2022 and 2023.
A Deeper Dive into Austin’s Tenure
Austin’s journey with the Steelers commenced in 2019, where he initially served as a senior assistant and secondary coach. In 2022, he ascended to the position of defensive coordinator, succeeding Keith Butler, who had held the reins for six seasons. Under Austin’s tutelage, the Steelers’ defense has demonstrated marked improvement, particularly in limiting opponents’ scoring prowess.
Examining Statistical Trends
While the Steelers’ defense has shown promise under Austin’s leadership, it’s noteworthy that they encountered a setback in terms of yards allowed. In 2022, they surrendered an average of 328.2 yards per game, ranking 19th in the league. This figure unfortunately increased to 348.8 yards per game in 2023, placing them at 24th.
Despite this regression in yardage, the Steelers’ defense displayed a knack for generating turnovers in 2023. They skillfully intercepted passes 20 times and recovered 12 fumbles, a significant improvement over their 2022 tally of 14 interceptions and 9 fumble recoveries.
Factors Influencing the Decision
The Steelers’ unwavering commitment to retaining Austin as their defensive coordinator stems from a confluence of factors. Firstly, the defense has shown tangible signs of improvement under his stewardship, especially in curtailing opponents’ scoring. Secondly, Austin possesses an impeccable reputation as a defensive mastermind, having previously held the defensive coordinator position with both the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions. Lastly, the Steelers are likely hesitant to disrupt their coaching staff excessively during this period of transition.
Conclusion: A Calculated Decision Amidst Transition
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to retain Teryl Austin as their defensive coordinator for the 2024 season is a strategic move that reflects their faith in his ability to lead the defense. While the defense experienced a slight setback in terms of yards allowed in 2023, their improved turnover generation and overall performance under Austin’s guidance cannot be overlooked. As the Steelers navigate this transitional phase, maintaining stability on the defensive side of the ball with Austin at the helm is a prudent and calculated decision.