Ex-Lions DC draws harsh verdict from 2x Super Bowl champion
Teryl Austin and Juan Thornhill
Teryl Austin and Juan Thornhill
Teryl Austin built a strong reputation with the Detroit Lions, but his later tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers ended on a disappointing note. The defense fell short of expectations, and now, once again, a comment from a Steelers safety has brought him into the spotlight.
The latest comments from the former Steelers safety, Juan Thornhill, showed a glimpse of his experience with Austin. He replied to a fan on social media shortly after Austin left Pittsburgh.
"I didn't enjoy playing for that DC," Thornhill wrote in reply to a fan on TikTok via Steelers Wire.
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 21: Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin calls a play during a game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 21, 2025, at Gillette stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 21 Steelers at Patriots EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482250921181
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 21: Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin calls a play during a game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 21, 2025, at Gillette stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 21 Steelers at Patriots EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482250921181
The comment mentioned by the safety on X.com quickly caught fans' attention because it came from the player who played under Austin last season.
Thornhill did not explain anything on why he said that, but the comment clearly conveys that Austin struggled to connect with the Steelers' locker room.
Thornhill signed with Pittsburgh in the offseason of 2025, but appeared in only nine games before being released. He later joined the Jacksonville Jaguars and is currently a free agent.
Meanwhile, Austin was replaced by Patrick Graham after Mike McCarthy became the Steelers' head coach.
Despite growing criticism from former players, Mike Tomlin has consistently stood by defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, previously calling him a "very capable" coach during Pittsburgh's defensive struggles.
During his time in Detroit from 2014 to 2017, Austin led the Lions to one of the NFL's top defensive performances in 2014.
He also owns a Super Bowl title with the Baltimore Ravens before he started his role as defensive coordinator for the Bengals and Steelers. Interestingly enough, Thornhill himself has won a Lombardi trophy twice with Kansas City in 2020 and 2023.
While optimism grows regarding Pittsburgh's coaching staff, not everyone is convinced that the Steelers have done enough to reach playoff contention.
NFL analyst questions the Steelers' offseason decision to sign Aaron Rodgers
Yahoo Sports' Frank Schwab ranked the Steelers No. 20 in his latest NFL offseason power rankings, given the team's uncertain quarterback decision as a major reason.
"They settled on bringing back quarterback Aaron Rodgers," wrote Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports. "The Steelers once again waited him out until he signed in late May, even though they said they wouldn't be doing that."
Pittsburgh turned to veteran Aaron Rodgers after spending the offseason waiting for his decision. The Steelers reunited with the four-time NFL MVP, with the hope of his familiarity with HC McCarthy.
What are your views on Teryl Austin, the defensive coordinator? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Aadesh Dhote