Former Steelers safety throws shade at Teryl Austin

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very disappointing season defensively in 2026. Pittsburgh finished 26th in total defense and 29th in passing defense, despite having the NFL’s most expensive defense. Because of this, then-defensive coordinator Teryl Austin faced a ton of scrutiny – more than he was already subjected to. Not only was it fans and media that were calling out Austin, now his former players are taking part in pointing out his flaws.

Commenting on a Tik Tok video, former Steelers safety Juan Thornhill made his feelings toward Austin known.

“I didn’t enjoy playing for that DC,” Thornhill replied to a fan saying they enjoyed when he was a Steeler.

Thornhill was signed by the Steelers at the beginning of the 2025 offseason in March. He appeared in nine games for Pittsburgh before being released, ultimately signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars to finish out the season. He is currently a free agent.

Austin, on the other hand, was replaced by Patrick Graham after Mike McCarthy took over as head coach. He was the last of Mike Tomlin’s staff to get another job, ending up on the Arizona Cardinals staff as a senior defensive assistant.

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