One former AFC North rival could be joining the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff. Another is heading back to Baltimore.
The Steelers are considering the prospect of bringing the son of a former black-and-gold coach on board for Mike McCarthy’s staff. And George Pickens discusses his future in Dallas.
All that in Tuesday’s “First Call.”
A peek at Peko
The Steelers are planning to hire a former AFC North rival onto Mike McCarthy’s coaching staff.
According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, ex-Bengals defensive lineman Domata Peko is going to coach the defensive linemen.
More coaching movement of note to AFC North fans: The Steelers plan to hire former Bengals defensive lineman Domata Peko as defensive line coach, per source.
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) February 2, 2026
Peko had been defensive line coach at Colorado under Deion Sanders.
Peko was on Colorado’s staff under Deion Sanders in 2025. He was an assistant with McCarthy in Dallas in 2024.
A Cincinnati Bengal for the first 10 years of his career (2006-16), Peko spent the next two years in Denver before wrapping up his career with a year each in Baltimore and Arizona.
Over his 14 seasons, the Michigan State product totaled 616 tackles, 20 sacks, three forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
During his time as a Bengal, Peko came on the field in a parka and shoved a Steelers player during the 2016 playoffs. The next season, Peko actually called the Steelers “pieces of bleep.”
Yes, he actually used the word “bleep.”
Family familiarity
The son of a former Steelers coach may be finding his way onto McCarthy’s staff as well.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the team is considering hiring Chase Haslett. He is reportedly up for the passing game coordinator/TEs coach role.
A former McCarthy disciple in Dallas, Haslett was the Cowboys’ quality control coach.
Sources: The #Steelers have requested and completed an interview with #Saints TEs coach Chase Haslett for the passing game coordinator/TEs coach role on Mike McCarthy’s staff.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 2, 2026
Haslett got his start in NFL coaching with the Cowboys under McCarthy in 2020 as a quality control… pic.twitter.com/ltWeRP27Tk
Haslett’s father, Jim, was born in Pittsburgh and went to Avalon High School. He later attended IUP and was the Steelers’ defensive coordinator from 1997-99 before becoming head coach of the New Orleans Saints for five years.
Chase Haslett also played at IUP as a quarterback under Curt Cignetti. He is currently the Saints’ tight ends coach.
See you soon
One of the Steelers’ head coaching candidates is going to wind up in the AFC North after all. Anthony Weaver is going to be the defensive coordinator on Jesse Minter’s new staff in Baltimore.
That’s according to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Reunion: The Ravens plan to hire Anthony Weaver as their defensive coordinator, sources say.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 2, 2026
Weaver, 45, played in Baltimore for four seasons, coached there for three and interviewed for their head coaching job. Now he’ll team up with Jesse Minter. pic.twitter.com/tkFfJzkfKt
Weaver interviewed in person for the Steelers’ vacancy after Mike Tomlin resigned. Most recently the defensive coordinator in Miami, Weaver played in Baltimore from 2002-05. He coached there in various capacities on the defensive side of the ball from 2021-23.
Weaver also interviewed for head coaching jobs in Arizona, Atlanta and Buffalo.
Pickens’ preference
Ex-Steeler George Pickens says he wants to stay in Dallas. The Cowboys’ wide receiver told the team’s website, “I would love to (remain a Cowboy). But when you can’t control it, you kind of just hope for the best.”
The Steelers traded Pickens to Dallas before the year. He responded by posting 93 catches, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.
SPIN MOVE. HURDLE. GEORGE PICKENS IS RIDICULOUS
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2025
KCvsDAL on CBS/Paramount+
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/dTiQOamgY8
Now, Pickens is about to become a free agent as his entry-level contract is expiring.
“Just the ultimate best deal when it helps everybody,” Pickens said when asked what he wants. “If it’s the best thing for both parties, then I’m willing to do anything.”
Quarterback Dak Prescott called working out a deal with Pickens “vital.”
