PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ two-time Super Bowl champion, is back at Acrisure Stadium, this time as a rookie coach for OTAs, sources told ESPN on May 15, 2025.
The franchise legend aims to mentor the team’s young talent during the offseason.Roethlisberger, who retired in 2021 after 18 seasons, led the Steelers to titles in 2005 and 2008, amassing 64,088 passing yards and 418 touchdowns. His return as a coach signals a new chapter, per Steelers.com.
“I’m here to pass the torch,” Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “These kids need the Steelers’ spirit.” The move targets rookies like Will Howard, the sixth-round quarterback draft pick, as the team rebuilds its offense.
The Steelers’ quarterback room faces uncertainty, with Mason Rudolph as the interim QB1 and the team awaiting Aaron Rodgers’ decision. Howard, with 4,010 college passing yards in 2024, needs guidance, and Roethlisberger’s 93.5 PFF grade from 2018 offers a blueprint, per The Athletic.
Roethlisberger’s role focuses on teaching pocket presence and play-action, skills that defined his career. He’ll work alongside Arthur Smith, aiming to lift an offense ranked 24th in passing yards (186.1 per game) in 2024, while supporting veterans like DK Metcalf, per NFL.com.
The Steelers’ $32 million cap space allows flexibility for such moves, complementing signings like Mike Hilton. Roethlisberger, who previously coached youth football at Quaker Valley in 2023, brings a passion for mentoring, per CBS Sports.
Fans on X erupted, with posts like “Big Ben’s back! Future’s bright!” and “Perfect for Howard’s growth!” Ian Rapoport noted, “Roethlisberger’s return could spark Pittsburgh’s young core, blending legacy with ambition.”As OTAs unfold, Roethlisberger’s presence alongside T.J. Watt and Pat Freiermuth could set the tone for a playoff push. His coaching debut might just reignite the Steelers’ pursuit of a seventh ring, proving his impact endures beyond the field.