Steelers Recruit Gerald Alexander as New Defensive Backs Coach

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Tuesday the appointment of Gerald Alexander as their new defensive backs coach, marking a return for the coach who previously served as the assistant defensive backs coach from 2022 to 2023. Alexander, who replaces Grady Brown after his contract was not renewed, comes back to Pittsburgh after a season as safeties coach with the Las Vegas Raiders.

During his time with the Steelers, Alexander helped the secondary achieve significant success, contributing to a total of 36 interceptions while holding opponents to an 84.7 passer rating, which ranked 10th in the NFL last season. His first season with the Steelers in 2022 was notable as the team tied for the most interceptions in the league with 20, highlighted by safety Minkah Fitzpatrick‘s six interceptions, the highest in his career and leading the NFL.

Before his tenure in Pittsburgh, Alexander spent two years coaching the defensive backs for the Miami Dolphins (2020-21), where they also finished tied for first in the league with 18 interceptions in 2020, during which cornerback Xavien Howard earned first-team All-Pro honors.

Gerald Alexander’s coaching experience spans several colleges, including Indiana State, Montana State, and California, where he developed talents like All-Pac-12 defensive backs Ashtyn Davis and Camryn Bynum, both of whom became NFL draft picks. Alexander’s coaching journey was preceded by a five-year playing career in the NFL, having been selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2007 draft, where he played for multiple teams including the Jaguars, Panthers, Dolphins, and Jets.

Steelers fans hope that Alexander’s return will bolster a secondary that struggled in 2024, finishing 25th in the league for passing yards allowed. The Steelers, who reached the playoffs last season, aim to rejuvenate their defense under his guidance as they look forward to the upcoming season.