Unexpected Move: Former Steelers WR Coach Joins Rival AFC Team, Sparking Controversy

When the dust settles on a coaching carousel, you can bet there’s always a few key figures ready to rewrite their story elsewhere. Case in point: Zach Azzanni, who’s just landed the wide receivers coach gig with the Las Vegas Raiders, setting up shop after a stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move isn’t just some footnote — it’s a fresh chapter for a coach stepping into his tenth NFL season and the twenty-fourth year mentoring wideouts, college and pro alike. With the Raiders gearing up under new leadership and holding that coveted first pick in the draft, Azzanni’s arrival couldn’t be timelier. It’s a puzzle piece that might just reshape Las Vegas’s aerial attack, especially as they look to tailor their receiving corps around their future franchise QB. Curious how this all might shake out? LEARN MORE

Another piece of the Mike Tomlin coaching staff has found a new home, as former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni has been hired for the same position with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Raiders are expected to hire Zach Azzanni as wide receivers coach, per source.

Azzanni will enter his 10th season in the NFL and was most recently with the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/3Giok1dD2w

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 18, 2026

Azzanni will not only be entering his tenth season in the NFL, but his 24th season as a wide receivers coach at the collegiate or professional level. He has been with the Steelers since the 2024 season and is now the latest former Steelers assistant to find a new job, following the departure of former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in January.

The Raiders will be the fifth team Azzanni has served as the wide receivers coach for, also making stops for the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets in the last decade.

Azzanni will have the chance to start fresh with a new coaching regime in Las Vegas, headlined by former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, hired fresh off his Super Bowl victory. Las Vegas also holds the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and will almost certainly select Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana. Azzanni will have the opportunity to get what is currently a thin group of pass catchers in Vegas ready to support the number one overall pick quarterback.

What do you think of Zach Azzanni heading to Las Vegas to be their receivers coach? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments down below!