Steelers Hire USC’s Bryan McClendon as New WR Coach
By Scott Rogust
The Pittsburgh Steelers dealt with a heartbreaking tragedy this past season, as wide receivers coach Darryl Drake unexpectedly passed away during training camp. Drake was a beloved figure to wide receivers everywhere, from Larry Fitzgerald to JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Replacing Drake is no easy task, but the Steelers feel like they hired the right guy.
According to reports, Pittsburgh is hiring former South Carolina offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon as their new receivers coach.
Report: Steelers Will Hire South Carolina’s Bryan McClendon As New WR Coach - https://t.co/iC3Vhy9W9D
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) February 9, 2020
McClendon, a former wideout for the Georgia Bulldogs (2002-05), made a name for himself as a coach in the collegiate ranks.
First, McClendon joined his alma mater's coaching staff as a graduate assistant, before being promoted to running backs coach and later run game coordinator. McClendon worked with some elite runners in Athens, including Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.
So to recap...the three assistants expected to leave Carolina are all taking solid jobs.
— Mike Gillespie (@MikeABCColumbia) February 9, 2020
Bryan McClendon gets a crack at the NFL with the Steelers.
Same with Thomas Brown in LA.
John Scott gets a $200k raise AND a multi-year contract at Penn State.
All hard to turn down.
McClendon was hired by South Carolina as a co-offensive coordinator for the 2016 season, before being named the lone OC this past campaign. Yet, he was known for his work in grooming the receiving corps, with perhaps the biggest name he's coached up being Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers.
Pittsburgh's receivers struggled this past season, especially with Smith-Schuster dealing with numerous injuries and the carousel the team deployed at quarterback. The Steelers hope that McClendon can fill Drake's shoes and bring their passing game back to its former heights.