Pittsburgh Steelers defensive assistant coach history

Joey Porter

Porter was the defensive assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2014 season. Porter's record as the team's defensive assistant coach was 11-5-0, making him the most successful defensive assistant coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2014) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Porter in playoff games.

Jerry Olsavsky

Olsavsky was the defensive assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010-2014 seasons, a total of five years. Olsavsky's record as the team's defensive assistant coach was 51-29-0, making him the second-most successful defensive assistant coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history. The team made it to the playoffs three times (2010-2011, 2014) and had a 2-3 record under Coach Olsavsky in playoff games. In 2010, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Mike Tomlin, lost 25-31.

Lou Spanos

Spanos was the defensive assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1995-2009 seasons, a total of fifteen years. Spanos' record as the team's defensive assistant coach was 148-91-1, making him the third-most successful defensive assistant coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history. The team made it to the playoffs nine times (1995-1997, 2001-2002, 2004-2005, 2007-2008) and had a 14-7 record under Coach Spanos in playoff games. In 1995, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Bill Cowher, lost 17-27. In 2005, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Bill Cowher, won 21-10. In 2008, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII and the Steelers, under the direction of head coach Mike Tomlin, won 27-23.

Dennis Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald was the defensive assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1988 season. Fitzgerald's record as the team's defensive assistant coach was 5-11-0, making him the least successful defensive assistant coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history.

Tony Dungy

Dungy was the defensive assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1981 season. Dungy's record as the team's defensive assistant coach was 8-8-0, making him the second-least successful defensive assistant coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history.


Pittsburgh Steelers defensive assistant coach record

Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Jerry Olsavsky 2010-2014 51-29-0 63.8% 2-3
Joey Porter 2014 11-5-0 68.8% 0-1
Lou Spanos 1995-2009 148-91-1 61.9% 14-7
Dennis Fitzgerald 1988 5-11-0 31.3% 0-0
Tony Dungy 1981 8-8-0 50.0% 0-0

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive assistant coach facts

  • Tony Dungy was the first defensive assistant coach in Steelers history in 1981.
  • Lou Spanos coached the most seasons as the Steelers's defensive assistant coach at fifteen seasons.
  • Jerry Olsavsky and Joey Porter was the last coach to hold the position of defensive assistant coach, leaving the role after the 2014 season.