Head Coach Mike Tomlin said that the Pittsburgh Steelers would make significant changes heading into the offseason after a disastrous five-game losing streak to end the 2024 season. He acknowledged that staff changes would likely be a part of the equation. That being said, the Steelers still retained both offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. The true significant change took place in the quarterback room.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II said that he intended to keep either quarterback Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, both signed to one-year contracts in 2024. After negotiations fizzled out and both players signed with New York teams, the Steelers opted to reunite with an old friend: Mason Rudolph.