​Juan Thornhill, who spent time as a safety with the Pittsburgh Steelers, recently reminded fans of the criticisms surrounding Teryl Austin’s tenure as the team’s defensive coordinator. In a response to a fan on TikTok, Thornhill reiterated his dissatisfaction with Austin’s run as Pittsburgh’s DC, stating bluntly that he did not enjoy playing for that coaching staff.
Prior to joining the Steelers, Austin had served as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions from 2014 to 2017 and for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin then brought him on in 2019 as the team’s senior defensive assistant and secondary coach, before promoting him to defensive coordinator in 2022. During his time in Pittsburgh, Austin’s defenses were often inconsistent, presenting a challenge for the Steelers and their fan base who had invested heavily in the unit with the expectation of strong performance.
Thornhill’s remarks come amid a season where many defenders struggled to adapt to Austin’s scheme, and he is not alone in his assessment that the defense under Austin did not consistently meet expectations. By 2026, Steelers fans had welcomed a new defensive coordinator, hoping for a fresh approach and better results on the field.
For ongoing Steelers coverage, including any offseason developments, follow The Steelers Wire on X (formerly Twitter) at @TheSteelersWire and like the page on Facebook for updates. This piece originally appeared on Steelers Wire under the headline focusing on former Steelers safety Thornhill’s take on Teryl Austin, highlighting a viewpoint many fans already hold.