Building a dominant franchise in the NFL always starts in the trenches. For Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, having the right leadership guiding the offensive line is essential to turning high-round draft selections into elite professional blockers.
As reporter Nick Farabaugh noted from McCarthy’s weekly Monday press conference, he sees the growth from this young offensive line and credits offensive line coach James Campen with helping them progress.
"Mike McCarthy says he believes OL coach James Campen 'is the best OL coach in the league. I've believed that for decades.' McCarthy added they've put so much draft capital into the OL, and he's seeing those young players continue to ascend."
Mike McCarthy says he believes OL coach James Campen 'is the best OL coach in the league. I've believed that for decades.'
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) October 26, 2026
McCarthy added they've put so much draft capital into the OL, and he's seeing those young players continue to ascend.
Expressing his absolute confidence in the team's coaching staff, McCarthy offered high praise for his veteran assistant. That kind of endorsement highlights a deep-seated professional trust and underscores how vital Campen's developmental track record has been to the organization's overarching philosophy.
McCarthy also pointed out that the front office has invested significant draft capital into upgrading and fortifying the offensive line in recent years. That includes drafting players like Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Max Iheanachor, and Mason McCormick.
Securing elite physical talent is only half the battle; molding raw prospects into cohesive, reliable starters requires meticulous instruction and veteran mentorship. According to McCarthy, that strategy is paying off precisely as planned, noting that he is currently watching those young players continue to ascend into top-tier contributors.
As the trenches continue to dictate the physical identity of modern football, having a respected veteran coach like Campen orchestrating the development of ascending talent gives the offense a massive competitive edge. With high-end draft picks showing continued growth and an experienced coaching maestro leading the charge, the upfront unit is well-positioned to anchor the team's success for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Inside Mike McCarthy's high praise for OL Coach James Campen