Former Steelers safety says what fans already know about Teryl Austin

Juan Thornhill, a former Pittsburgh Steelers safety, just reminded fans just how bad Teryl Austin was as defensive coordinator.

In a reply to a fan on TikTok, Thornhill fired a shot at Austin for his lackluster run as Pittsburgh's defensive coordinator.

"I didn't enjoy playing for that DC," Thornhill wrote.

Juan Thornhill ripped Teryl Austin. 👀 #Steelers#NFLpic.twitter.com/wdpm7mMERj

— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) July 8, 2026

Before the Steelers, Austin served as defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions (2014-2017) and Cincinnati Bengals (2018).

Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin hired Austin in 2019 as the team's senior defensive assistant/secondary coach. He was promoted to DC in 2022.

Austin proved to be one of the worst coaching hires thanks to his extremely inconsistent defenses, underperforming season after season despite the Steelers investing major cap space into the unit.

Thornhill may have had his struggles in 2025, but very few defenders found success in Austin's scheme last season. And it's safe to say Steelers fans are glad a new face took over the defensive coordinator role in 2026.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Former Steelers safety says what fans already know about Teryl Austin