Steve Scarnecchia hire probably will accompany some fans dislike.

[slashsteel]

Steelers are hiring him.

Per AI I asked what his role may be:

1. The "Chief of Staff" Role (Game Management)​

In the modern NFL, the "Chief of Staff" isn't just an administrative assistant. He is essentially the Game Management Specialist.

• The Clock: He will likely be the one in Mike McCarthy's ear regarding timeouts, 2-minute drill logistics, and "go for it" decisions on 4th down.
• The Challenges: He'll be watching the replays in the booth to tell McCarthy when to throw the red flag.
• The Rationale: McCarthy has been open about wanting to embrace analytics more in 2026. Scarnecchia is the "numbers-to-grass" translator who ensures those analytics are used correctly in the heat of a game.
  

2. The Connection to Patrick Graham​

This hire is actually a massive "win" for your theory about the defense.

• Scarnecchia is the son of legendary Patriots coach Dante Scarnecchia.
  
  
  
  
• He and Patrick Graham share the "Patriots Way" DNA. They both believe in high-IQ, heavy-disguise, and meticulously prepared game plans.
• Having a Chief of Staff who speaks the same language as your Defensive Coordinator means the communication between the booth and the sideline is going to be light-years faster than what we saw with the previous staff.

3. Why some fans are grumbling (The "Video" Past)​

You’ll see "Spygate" mentions because Scarnecchia was involved in the 2007 Patriots scandal and a 2010 filming incident in Denver.

• The Reality: That was over 15 years ago. Since then, he has been a highly respected "Assistant to the Head Coach" for Dan Quinn (Falcons) and Robert Saleh (Jets).
• The Value: He knows exactly how other teams try to "scout" or "cheat" the system, which makes him elite at protecting the Steelers' own signals and disguises.

---

My ( A I ‘s) Thought Process​

This isn't a "football" hire in the sense that he’s coaching the Wide Receivers. This is a structural hire.

The Steelers are moving away from the "Old School" way of doing things. By hiring Scarnecchia, McCarthy is building a professionalized "War Room" on the sidelines. If the Steelers lose a game in 2026, it likely won't be because they "forgot the clock" or "mismanaged their timeouts"—that is exactly what Scarnecchia is being paid to prevent.

 

[xjx]

I don't mind this hire. And with a name like that I'll bet his mom makes really good pizza.

 

[steelhurt]

I like this move and it’s about time we moved toward the modern NFL.
Besides, with that name he’s one of the boys so he’s not to be messed with.
Seriously though, I really do like the move and it’s long overdue.

 

[SteelerFan448]

A lot of reported hires so far and only Graham has actually been announced. I would think we should get an official announcement relatively soon with the confirmation of roles within the organization.

 

[slashsteel]

A lot of reported hires so far and only Graham has actually been announced. I would think we should get an official announcement relatively soon with the confirmation of roles within the organization.

I think they are still down TE coach, the OC, D-line, and the quality control etc.

But yeah you would like to see some titles..

 

[Ike Kelly]

3. Why some fans are grumbling (The "Video" Past)​

You’ll see "Spygate" mentions because Scarnecchia was involved in the 2007 Patriots scandal and a 2010 filming incident in Denver.

• The Reality: That was over 15 years ago. Since then, he has been a highly respected "Assistant to the Head Coach" for Dan Quinn (Falcons) and Robert Saleh (Jets).
• The Value: He knows exactly how other teams try to "scout" or "cheat" the system, which makes him elite at protecting the Steelers' own signals and disguises.

Slash, make no mistake, Spygate was 3 pronged close to the vest operation limited to the absolute minimum. Ernie Adams was the jam, Belichick the peanut butter and Kraft the two slices of bread that orchestrated it. BB and EA conceived the idea while in CLE. Art Model, being a football purist and original old guard principal owner would have never allowed the scheme. Kraft was relatively new to ownership and wanting to prove he belonged provided the opportunity and resources. Adams and Belichick propagated the secrecy to an absolute minimum. It is speculated less than half a dozen individuals knew fully the specifics. No one outside of the secrecy knew how they had the info, nor did they ask. I doubt the younger Scarnecchia was on the inside. Had Senator Spector been allowed to fully investigate it the names would have been identified. However, the new Commish didn’t want to cost the League from losing its Anti-Trust exemption from Congress and destroyed the evidence.

 

[slashsteel]

Slash, make no mistake, Spygate was 3 pronged close to the vest operation limited to the absolute minimum. Ernie Adams was the jam, Belichick the peanut butter and Kraft the two slices of bread that orchestrated it. BB and EA conceived the idea while in CLE. Art Model, being a football purist and original old guard principal owner would have never allowed the scheme. Kraft was relatively new to ownership and wanting to prove he belonged provided the opportunity and resources. Adams and Belichick propagated the secrecy to an absolute minimum. It is speculated less than half a dozen individuals knew fully the specifics. No one outside of the secrecy knew how they had the info, nor did they ask. I doubt the younger Scarnecchia was on the inside. Had Senator Spector been allowed to fully investigate it the names would have been identified. However, the new Commish didn’t want to cost the League from losing its Anti-Trust exemption from Congress and destroyed the evidence.

Good breakdown.

I am ok with it for what it accomplishes a new approach and of course without the cheating . As we know our franchise wouldn’t permit that to take place. Even more so a PA bred HC wouldn’t sign off on it either…

 

[Shane Falco]

I’m glad they are bringing someone in for this aspect of the game. Nearly every single team has a person doing this. The only holdout I know of is HCMT. This is someone that will allow the coaches focus more on the game real time.
McCarthy is indeed modernizing the team

 

[Lunar]

Scarnecchia sounds like something you need a shot of penicillin for.

 

[slashsteel]

Scarnecchia sounds like something you need a shot of penicillin for.

What you do on your own time is your business.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Scarnecchia sounds like something you need a shot of penicillin for.

OR

Ice and orange juice....................................



Salute the nation

 

[Omar10213245]

Slash, make no mistake, Spygate was 3 pronged close to the vest operation limited to the absolute minimum. Ernie Adams was the jam, Belichick the peanut butter and Kraft the two slices of bread that orchestrated it. BB and EA conceived the idea while in CLE. Art Model, being a football purist and original old guard principal owner would have never allowed the scheme. Kraft was relatively new to ownership and wanting to prove he belonged provided the opportunity and resources. Adams and Belichick propagated the secrecy to an absolute minimum. It is speculated less than half a dozen individuals knew fully the specifics. No one outside of the secrecy knew how they had the info, nor did they ask. I doubt the younger Scarnecchia was on the inside. Had Senator Spector been allowed to fully investigate it the names would have been identified. However, the new Commish didn’t want to cost the League from losing its Anti-Trust exemption from Congress and destroyed the evidence.