Steelers Eye Cowboys Coach Lunda Wells For OC Role

The winds of change are blowing through the NFL coaching landscape, and all eyes are on Pittsburgh, where a potential reunion between two familiar faces is brewing. On January 27, 2026, news broke that Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells is expected to interview for the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator position, a move that could reshape both franchises' offensive outlooks. The report, first shared by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, comes as new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy begins assembling his staff after his own high-profile move from Dallas.

Wells, about to turn 43, has been a steadfast presence for the Cowboys since McCarthy’s arrival in 2020. Their professional relationship is well-established, with Wells serving as McCarthy’s tight ends coach for all five of his seasons in Dallas. When McCarthy’s contract was not renewed after the 2024 season, the Cowboys handed the reins to Brian Schottenheimer, but Wells remained in his post, a testament to his value and reputation within the organization.

Now, with McCarthy returning to his hometown of Pittsburgh as the Steelers’ fourth head coach since 1969, he appears eager to surround himself with trusted colleagues. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, "McCarthy grew up in Pittsburgh. Now, at age 62, the Super Bowl winner gets a chance to coach the team he grew up rooting for." The Steelers, a franchise known for its stability at the top, have called on McCarthy to usher in a new era, and he’s wasting no time looking to former allies like Wells to fill critical roles.

This isn’t the first time Wells’ name has surfaced in coordinator conversations this hiring cycle. Earlier in January 2026, he interviewed for the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator job before the team ultimately promoted David Blough. Despite not landing the Commanders’ role, Wells’ stock has only risen, with his candidacy in Pittsburgh seen as both a logical and intriguing fit given his deep familiarity with McCarthy’s offensive philosophy.

But what makes Lunda Wells such a compelling candidate? For starters, he’s earned a reputation as a developer of talent. Under his guidance, Dallas tight ends have flourished. Dalton Schultz, drafted in 2018, broke out in 2020 with 63 catches for 615 yards and four touchdowns, then improved to 78 catches and over 800 yards in 2021. Schultz’s success paved the way for a lucrative contract with the Houston Texans. When Schultz departed, Jake Ferguson stepped up. A fourth-round pick in 2022, Ferguson blossomed under Wells, earning Pro Bowl honors and tallying 231 receptions, 2,039 yards, and 15 touchdowns over four seasons. His 2025 campaign was particularly impressive, notching eight touchdowns on 82 receptions, ranking third among all NFL tight ends.

Wells’ ability to elevate young players hasn’t gone unnoticed. As Marcus Mosher of Locked on Cowboys put it, "Lunda Wells has done a great job of developing TEs in Dallas and is one of the most respected coaches in the league. He’s also helped with the run game in previous seasons. And players really love him. Certainly deserves a look for an OC spot." Such endorsements highlight why teams are eager to interview him for coordinator positions.

His journey to this point is as diverse as it is impressive. A Louisiana native, Wells played college football as a two-time All-SWAC offensive lineman at HBCU powerhouse Southern University. After a brief professional stint in the AFL and NIFL, he began coaching at Scotlandville High School in Baton Rouge. His next stop was LSU, where he served as an assistant offensive line coach starting in 2008. The NFL came calling in 2012, with the New York Giants hiring him as an offensive quality control coach. Over eight seasons in New York, Wells climbed the ranks, eventually becoming assistant offensive line coach and then tight ends coach for the Giants, where he worked with talents like Evan Engram.

By 2020, McCarthy brought him to Dallas, and Wells has remained a constant through coaching changes and roster turnover. His impact on young tight ends has been clear, but he’s also contributed to the Cowboys’ run game and offensive line development. In 2023, the Cowboys drafted Luke Schoonmaker in the second round, and while his career has started slowly, he’s managed 49 catches and three touchdowns in two seasons—solid numbers for a developing player.

The timing of Wells’ Steelers interview is particularly notable. In the days leading up to January 27, he was in Frisco, Texas, serving as the head coach for the West team in the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl, held at Ford Center at The Star. This high-profile college all-star game gave Wells a chance to showcase his leadership and offensive acumen on a national stage, further bolstering his résumé as a coordinator candidate.

Of course, questions remain about how much autonomy the Steelers’ next offensive coordinator will actually have. McCarthy, known for his preference to call plays himself, has sometimes limited his coordinators’ influence on game day. As one X user, SMV, commented, "A tight ends coach interviewing for offensive coordinator? That’s a massive jump. McCarthy bringing his Dallas guy to Pittsburgh doesn’t mean Wells is ready to run an entire offense. This feels like loyalty over qualifications." Still, others argue that Wells’ experience and player development skills make him a worthy candidate, regardless of his previous job title.

Wells’ candidacy also fulfills the NFL’s requirement that at least one minority candidate be interviewed for coordinator roles, but his credentials go far beyond checking a box. His breadth of experience—from high school fields in Louisiana to the bright lights of the NFL—paints the picture of a coach ready for the next step.

The Steelers’ offensive coordinator role became available after Arthur Smith’s departure to Ohio State, ending his two-year tenure in Pittsburgh. With McCarthy now at the helm, the search for a new offensive architect is underway. Wells’ interview is expected to take place later this week, after his Shrine Bowl duties conclude. As the Steelers’ coaching staff tracker updates in the coming days, Wells’ name will be one to watch.

As the NFL’s annual coaching carousel spins, Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Lunda Wells signals both a nod to continuity and a willingness to embrace fresh ideas. Whether he ultimately lands the job or not, Wells’ rise through the coaching ranks is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and the respect he’s earned throughout the league. The Steelers’ offensive future remains in flux, but with Wells in the conversation, it’s clear that Pittsburgh is considering all options as it enters a new chapter under Mike McCarthy.

For now, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator position remains open, and the football world waits to see if Lunda Wells will be the next to make the leap in the Steel City.