Landa Wells, the Dallas Cowboys tight‑ends coach, is interviewing for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator position in 2026. The move would reunite him with head coach Mike McCarthy, offering Wells a chance to transition from a position coach to one of the NFL’s most visible play‑calling roles. His experience with versatile tight ends and recent Shrine Bowl leadership make him a strong candidate.
Wells’ Relationship with Mike McCarthy
Trusted Assistant Returns to Pittsburgh
Mike McCarthy’s return to Pittsburgh has emphasized bringing trusted assistants into his staff. In Dallas, McCarthy relied on Wells to develop a versatile tight‑end group, including Dalton Kincaid and Jake Moore, while also serving as a bridge between the offensive line and the passing game. McCarthy praised Wells for his football IQ and teaching ability, noting that he is ready for the next step.
From Tight‑End Coach to Offensive Coordinator
Head Coach of Shrine Bowl Highlights Play‑Calling Skills
Earlier this month, Wells led the West team in the East‑West Shrine Bowl, a showcase that allowed him to run an entire offense. He emphasized “situational football” and “maximizing every snap,” principles that define his coaching style. The experience demonstrated his readiness to handle full‑offense responsibilities, including game‑script adjustments and pressure play‑calling.
Potential Impact on the Steelers Offense
Hybrid Scheme and Red‑Zone Efficiency
The Steelers aim to modernize their offense after an 8‑9 finish in 2025. Wells could introduce a hybrid scheme that leverages strong running backs like Najee Harris while using tight ends as primary receiving threats. This approach can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, potentially boosting the Steelers’ red‑zone efficiency.
Challenges Ahead for Wells
Adapting to Steelers Personnel
While Wells’ chemistry with McCarthy is an advantage, the Steelers’ roster differs from the Cowboys’, especially at wide receiver. He will need to adjust his tight‑end‑centric strategy to incorporate emerging receivers such as Jalen Campbell and veteran Diontae Johnson. Additionally, the expectation for immediate results in Pittsburgh adds pressure to balance a pass‑heavy attack with the franchise’s traditional run‑first identity.
Broader NFL Coaching Trends
Continuity Over Hype
Wells’ interview reflects a growing NFL trend where head coaches favor familiar assistants when building new staffs. Prioritizing continuity and trust can accelerate implementation of offensive systems, as seen with McCarthy’s willingness to consider a former position coach for the OC role. Success in this model could influence how other teams approach staff composition in the coming years.
