Hold onto your helmets, Steelers fans, because Pittsburgh’s coaching staff is about to get a major upgrade! According to a recent report by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Steelers are set to hire Mark Lovat, a highly respected strength coach with a stellar resume. But here’s where it gets interesting: Lovat isn’t just any strength coach—he’s a former NFL Strength Coach of the Year (2011) and has a history with Steelers’ head coach Mike McCarthy, dating back to their time together with the Green Bay Packers. And this is the part most people miss: Lovat also worked closely with Aaron Rodgers during his Packers tenure, earning praise from the quarterback himself in a 2016 ESPN article. So, what does this mean for Pittsburgh? Let’s dive in.
Lovat’s journey to the Steelers is a tale of experience and versatility. After spending 25 years in Green Bay—first as an assistant strength and conditioning coach (1999-2009) and later as the strength and conditioning coordinator (2010-2018)—he joined the Tennessee Titans in 2024, where he’s spent the last two seasons. While his exact role with the Steelers remains unclear, his background as both a head and assistant strength coach makes him a versatile addition to the team’s staff. But here’s the controversial part: With Phil Matusz, Justus Galac, Tyler Judkins, Roderick Moore, and Garrett Giemont already part of the Steelers’ strength and conditioning team, will Lovat’s arrival lead to a reshuffling of roles—or even departures? Only time will tell.
Beyond his NFL credentials, Lovat’s personal story adds another layer to his hire. A former collegiate baseball player at Butler University, he’s also the son of Tom Lovat, a longtime NFL offensive line coach. Interestingly, while father and son both have Packers ties, their paths never crossed in Green Bay. Lovat’s connection to Pennsylvania—he earned his master’s in exercise science from California University of Pennsylvania—further cements his fit with the Steelers.
This move also highlights a broader trend in Pittsburgh: the Steelers are stacking their staff with McCarthy-era veterans. Joining Lovat are offensive line coach James Campen, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, defensive coach Jason Simmons, and assistant offensive line coach Jahri Evans—all of whom have ties to McCarthy’s Green Bay tenure. Is this a strategic play to recreate the Packers’ success of the 2010s, or a risky bet on past relationships? We’ll leave that debate to you in the comments.
As the Steelers gear up for the upcoming season, one thing is clear: Mark Lovat’s hire is more than just a staffing change—it’s a statement about the team’s commitment to strength, conditioning, and familiarity. Whether this translates to on-field success remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the Steelers are building a staff with a proven track record. What do you think about this move? Is Lovat the missing piece Pittsburgh needs, or is there more to the story? Let us know below!
