In T.J. Watt, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a true defensive superstar. With other stars like Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick in place, the Steelers have the potential to be a strong unit. With long-time assistant coach Keith Butler retiring, the team has found his replacement with an in-house option.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Steelers are expected to elevate senior defensive assistant/secondary coach Teryl Austin into the team's DC position.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Featured image Kirk Cousins
Insider shares Steelers’ view on Kirk Cousins as Aaron Rodgers backup plan
Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) celebrates with wide receivers Christian Watson (9) and Jayden Reed (11) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
NFL rumors: Albert Breer doubles down on possible Steelers-Packers trade
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) can’t hang on to a pass in the end zone as he is defended by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (25) in the first half at SoFi Stadium.
When Steelers WR DK Metcalf will face Seahawks for first time

Austin, a Pennsylvania native and former starting cornerback at the University of Pittsburgh, joined the Steelers' coaching staff in 2019 after serving as DC for the previous five seasons, the last of which came with the Cincinnati Bengals and the first four coming with the Detroit Lions. He has over two decades of experience as a defensive position assistant in the NFL and top collegiate programs.

Amid Brian Flores' lawsuit against the NFL, Austin's agent came forward alleging the Lions of interviewing Austin to be the team's head coach in 2017 only to satisfy the league's Rooney Rule. Detroit ended up hiring Matt Patricia, who fizzled out quickly. Austin was named in Flores' lawsuit and echoed the same sentiments as his agent.

Now that Austin is set to take the reigns of the Steelers, he will have to help the unit improve in 2022. With the offense having an uncertain future following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, the defense will need to step up big time. Watt, Heyward and Fitzpatrick are a great starting point to build a strong defense.