Steelers part ways with special teams assistant Derius Swinton

Chris Adamski TribLive Fri, May 29, 2026 • 12:36 PM

Shown while working for the Los Angeles Chargers in a prior role, Derius Swinton on Friday parted ways with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Swinton was hired as senior assistant special teams coach in February,(AP)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have parted ways with senior assistant special teams coach Derius Swinton, a source confirmed Friday.

ESPN reported the move was made “due to a violation of club policy.” The timing of the staff departure is unusual — in the middle of organized team activities and only 3 ½ months after he was announced as joining the Steelers as part of new head coach Mike McCarthy’s staff.

Swinton, 41, has worked continuously in the NFL since 2009 and been part of 10 teams. Aside from one season as an “offensive assistant” with the Detroit Lions in 2018 and as part of an NFL diversity coaching fellowship program with the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, special teams have always been part of Swinton’s formal title.

With the Steelers, he was serving as an assistant to special teams coordinator Danny Crossman.

Swinton had spent the previous three seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, including a stint last season as interim special teams coordinator.

There was no immediate word if the Steelers planned on replacing Swinton on staff. The Steelers did not previously have an assistant special teams coach under longtime former coach Mike Tomlin.