Report: Steelers to interview Cowboys’ Lunda Wells for OC opening
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to interview Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells for their offensive coordinator opening, according to a report by ESPN.
Former Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy was hired to replace Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh, and one of his first big moves could be to lure away Wells, who was on his staff for five years in Dallas following eight seasons with the New York Giants.
Wells, who is serving as the West head coach for Tuesday's East-West Shrine Game, also interviewed for the Washington Commanders' offensive coordinator job earlier this month. That position eventually went to David Blough, who was promoted from assistant quarterbacks coach.
The Steelers are looking to replace Arthur Smith, who accepted the offensive coordinator position at Ohio State.
Wells, 42, is credited with helping to develop several quality tight ends in Dallas, including Dalton Schultz and Jake Ferguson, who set career highs with 82 receptions and 8 touchdowns this season.
Dallas' defensive coaching staff has already undergone significant turnover since Christian Parker was hired away from the Philadelphia Eagles to replace fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
The Cowboys informed defensive passing game coordinator Andre Curtis, linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi and secondary coach David Overstreet II that they will not return. Meanwhile, defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton left to become the Tennessee Titans' run game coordinator and defensive line coach after getting passed over in favor of Parker.
The Cowboys have reportedly interviewed Steelers outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin, Eagles linebackers coach Ronnel Williams and Minnesota Vikings defensive line coach Marcus Dixon for roles on Parker's staff.
If Wells takes over the DC job in Pittsburgh, he could look to bring some Cowboys assistants with him.
Dallas was 30th in total defense this past season and 32nd (last) in passing defense at 251.5 yards per game. It was last in third-down defense, giving up a first down on more than 47% of third-down snaps.
The Cowboys allowed a franchise-record 511 points on 59 opponents' touchdowns and 11.9 yards per reception.