New offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio of the Pittsburgh Steelers shared in his pre-draft press conference this week that he is excited about a lot with his new job. But Angelichio said only one Steelers player by name — second-year quarterback Will Howard.
Angelichio referenced Howard, and only him, to a specific question about what most excites him about the Steelers offense.
“I’m excited about everybody,” said Angelichio on Friday. “There’s talent. The perimeter, the tight ends, the line, the runners, there’s been a lot of success.
“We got Will [Howard] as a young quarterback to develop. I mean, I’m just excited about the whole offense.”
With other answers during his Friday press conference, Angelichio addressed other specific players. But Howard was the only player he mentioned by name in his answer about what is exciting regarding the Pittsburgh offense.
Steelers OC Brian Angelichio Shares Early Impressions of Will Howard
GettyNew Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio mentioned quarterback Will Howard by name when asked what’s exciting about his new job.
In addition to singling out Howard in one answer, Angelichio received a question only on the second-year signal-caller. The new Steelers offensive coordinator offered the early impressions he’s received of Howard through the first part of offseason workouts.
“I’ve really, really enjoyed Will,” said the coordinator. “He’s got a great personality. He’s been impressive in the quarterback room.
“Obviously, we haven’t gone out on the grass with him, but his ability to communicate, articulate, and pick up the scheme with all the guys it’s been really impressive.”
The Steelers have hyped Howard since they hired new head coach Mike McCarthy. The new head coach, general manager Omar Khan and team president Art Rooney II have each individually praised the second-year quarterback this offseason.
The league, though, will likely find out how the Steelers really feel about Howard in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The expectation is the team will select a new quarterback in the draft. The earlier the Steelers draft a signal-caller, the harder it could be for Howard to eventually earn the starting job.
How Angelichio Plans to Design Steelers Offense
GettyThe Pittsburgh Steelers hired Brian Angelichio as their new offensive coordinator under Mike McCarthy.
Whether the Steelers will take a quarterback in the draft isn’t the only question behind center in Pittsburgh. Four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers could still return for the 2026 campaign.
Rodgers, though, remains unsigned. Until the veteran makes a decision, Angelichio has to think about how the Steelers offense will look with Rodgers and potentially another much younger starting quarterback.
Angelichio is taking that challenge in stride.
“We’ll figure that as we go through OTAs, but it is going to be based around the quarterback,” said Angelichio. “It is going to be based around what our players do well. It’s going to be based around the personnel groupings that we can use to exploit the defense.
“And that’s the fortunate part to go along with the tight ends. Whether we’re going to be an 11-personnel team, a 12-personnel team, or 13, every game is different, every week’s different.
“But the good thing is, concept teaching and the way the plays will be run, we can do them out of all the groupings.”
In addition to Howard, the Steelers have veteran Mason Rudolph on their roster this offseason at quarterback. The team, though, should add at least one more signal-caller before the start of mandatory minicamp in June.
New Steelers OC Immediately Singles out QB Will Howard