The Pittsburgh Steelers have parted ways with senior special teams coach Derius Swinton II, citing a violation of club policy. The dismissal occurs just three-and-a-half months into his tenure with the organization. This unexpected move comes as the team participates in organized team activities during the 2026 offseason.
A Rapid Departure in Pittsburgh
The Steelers confirmed the departure of Derius Swinton II on Friday, May 29, 2026. Swinton, who joined the staff this offseason, was expected to serve as a senior assistant under special teams coordinator Danny Crossman. The organization has remained tight-lipped regarding the specifics of the situation, confirming only that the dismissal stems from a violation of club policy.
According to reporting from NFL.com, the decision to part ways was finalized on Friday, abruptly ending Swinton’s time with the team before he could participate in a single regular-season game. The team’s swift action reflects a zero-tolerance approach to internal policy infractions, occurring while the roster is undergoing significant schematic and personnel evaluations during the spring workout period.
Nature of the Policy Violation
While official team communications have been limited, reports indicate that the circumstances surrounding the termination are serious. As noted by the New York Post, the specific policy violated remains undisclosed to the public. However, additional reporting suggests the termination is linked to workplace misconduct.
The abrupt exit has left a void on the coaching staff during a critical developmental period. The team is currently in the midst of organized team activities, a time typically reserved for integrating new coaches and players into the team’s systems. The NBC Sports coverage confirms that the dismissal is effective immediately, ensuring Swinton will not be with the team for the 2026 season. The timing of the departure—occurring mid-way through the spring schedule—places added pressure on the remaining special teams staff to manage the transition without disruption to the players’ developmental timeline.
“workplace misconduct.”
Reported by ESPN, via New York Post
Swinton’s Coaching Background
Swinton arrived in Pittsburgh with extensive experience across the league. His 16-year NFL coaching career began in 2009 with the St. Louis Rams. Over the last decade and a half, he has held positions with 10 different franchises, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and Los Angeles Chargers. His resume was viewed as a stabilizing asset for a special teams unit looking to improve performance in the upcoming season.
Before his brief stint in Pittsburgh, Swinton spent three seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. He finished the 2025 season as the Raiders’ interim special teams coordinator after taking over the role mid-season. His career also includes stints as a special teams coordinator for both the 49ers in 2016 and the Chargers in 2021. This extensive background was part of the rationale for bringing him into the Steelers’ fold, as the organization sought to leverage his veteran perspective to refine their kicking and coverage units.
Staffing Implications for Mike McCarthy
The dismissal represents a significant, if sudden, adjustment for head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy, who took over the team following the departure of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, is currently tasked with building a new culture and staff in Pittsburgh. The loss of a senior assistant in the special teams room forces McCarthy and coordinator Danny Crossman to recalibrate their plans for the upcoming campaign. For a head coach in his first year, maintaining continuity among the coaching ranks is typically a priority; the loss of a staff member before training camp necessitates an immediate pivot in focus.
As the team navigates this unexpected personnel change, questions remain regarding how McCarthy will fill the vacancy. With the regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons scheduled for September 13, the organization faces a compressed timeline to secure a replacement who can effectively integrate into the existing staff structure. The special teams unit, which plays a pivotal role in field position management, must now proceed under the existing leadership of Crossman. The organization has not yet provided a timeline for when a replacement might be named, nor have they indicated whether they will look for an external hire or promote from within the existing support staff.
The Steelers’ upcoming schedule remains unchanged, with the team preparing for the transition into training camp in late July. While the loss of a senior assistant is a distraction, the team’s overarching focus remains on preparing for the Week 1 matchup against the Falcons. McCarthy and his remaining staff must now balance the administrative tasks of hiring a replacement with the on-field requirements of preparing the roster for the rigorous 17-game regular season schedule.
