Carney: Zach Azzanni is ideal Steelers WR coach

It’s been a long time since the Pittsburgh Steelers had stability at the wide receivers coach position. We have to go back to the 2013-17 period, when the great Richard Mann held this position, helping to develop some impressive talent for the Black and Gold during that period.

Since then, the Steelers have brought in Darryl Drake, who died unexpectedly in training camp before the 2019 season, Ray Sherman, Ike Hilliard and Frisman Jackson. During that span, the Steelers lost at receiver, from a coaching perspective, accountability, toughness and a true focus on fundamentals.

The Steelers, with the hiring of Zach Azzanni this offseason, appear to have corrected those issues.

It’s still very early in the process ahead of the 2024 season, but so far the early returns on Azzanni are quite positive for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Azzanni, who succeeds Frisman Jackson, inherited a young but experienced receiving corps, even if it poses more questions than answers this year. Although he has a rising star in George Pickens, there is still a lot of work and development to be done behind Pickens.

Zach Azzanni is up to the task and is diving headfirst into the game. He brings a demanding style to Pittsburgh, quickly earning the respect of some of the younger receivers like Calvin Austin III and rookie Roman Wilson.

He’s only 47 years old, but he’s been coaching receivers in the NFL and college level for 26 years. He has experience to spare and, based on feedback from the receivers he has worked with, he is a demanding and pragmatic coach who focuses on the small details on a daily basis, maintaining a high standard at the position.

One such receiver who has spoken highly of Azzanni after their time together is former Steelers and Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders. At first, during their time in Denver, Sanders and Azzanni argued like two stubborn people. But over time, that relationship blossomed as Azzanni helped Sanders perform at his best.

“It’s changed a lot,” Sanders told The Athletic of his relationship with Zach Azzanni in August 2019. “Obviously, last year we clashed, him coming from college to the NFL and how he wanted his meetings to go. But really, it’s about trying to win. You’ve got two guys that are really the same type of guys, so we found a way to make it work. And when I say that, I don’t say it lightly and say that we only work together because we have to; I really have a tender love for him.”

“A lot of people don’t know this, but the coach won’t be at training for the next two days because his mother just passed away. I feel for him. He left the field today and I almost wanted to cry. That’s the kind of love I have for him. I have a lot of love for him. This guy made me a better player last year. He allowed me to refocus and reorganize myself, and for that I will be forever grateful.

After a good run in Denver as the Broncos’ receivers coach and then a stop with the New York Jets, Azzanni is tasked with getting the most out of Pittsburgh’s receivers room in 2024 under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. While there are questions about not having a WR2 behind Pickens and largely just having a bunch of seemingly random plays in the room, Azzanni’s enthusiasm, demanding coaching style and his overall energy shines this offseason, especially when it comes to OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

Wilson said Zach Azzanni is all over him as a coach, and he really appreciates him. Austin said Azzanni is very demanding in a good way, which brings out the best in the receivers room because he doesn’t accept mediocrity. Azzanni has an acronym he lives by as a coach: RDA

It means: Ruthless, Decisive, Aggressive. That’s what he expects from his receivers, period. This is also what he brings as a coach.

So far, Azzanni has been exactly the type of coach this Steelers receivers room needed, a seasoned coach like you find in the NFL. With that track record, he has the ability to be demanding and very tough on players. However, he also has that personal side that he can connect with.

Too often in recent years, the Steelers’ receivers room has lacked that authoritative figure, someone who brings a demanding style, holds people accountable and will do whatever it takes to get the most out of individual talent.

Zach Azzanni’s track record speaks for itself. That tough love he brings speaks for itself, too. He’s an ass-kicker on an offense that aims to be the ass-kicker.

It’s a perfect fit on paper. Azzanni appears to be off to a very strong start for the Steelers, which is incredibly encouraging.