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Mike Tomlin doesn’t throw praise around like it’s free pizza. So when he said Teryl Austin is “a guy that’s been on the doorstep of some head-coaching positions,” he wasn’t just hyping him up for the fun of it. Austin has been a game-changer for the Steelers‘ defense since he took over as defensive coordinator in 2022. Before that, he spent three years as the senior defensive assistant and secondary coach, and let’s just say his time in Pittsburgh has been nothing short of legendary. The dude knows how to get results.

Okay okay, right now Pittsburgh’s defense went from ‘no balls to us please‘ to straight-up ‘Bring the ball, lil fella‘ level. And with the Steelers locking Austin down with a two-year extension that runs through this year, it’s clear he’s here to stay. So, how much is this defensive legend cashing in? Let’s get into it.

What is Teryl Austin’s net worth and Salary?

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Teryl Austin is out there chillin’ with a net worth somewhere between $5 million to $8 million. But before you start Googling, it’s just an estimate, fam—no official numbers here. This cash is all thanks to his 20-year hustle in the NFL. As the Steelers’ defensive coordinator, he’s raking in around $2 million a year, and honestly, he’s earned every penny. Since Austin stepped in, Pittsburgh’s defense went from a hot mess to hot pizza as the #1 squad in yards allowed per game in 2022. And it’s not just the stats—his defense straight-up steals the ball like it’s no big deal.

In 2022, they led the league in interceptions. Austin is a seasoned pro with experience running some of the NFL’s best defenses, having served as defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions (2014-2017) and the Cincinnati Bengals (2018).

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Austin’s time with the Lions was no joke either. His defenses finished in the top 10 for total yards allowed, and his work with the Ravens in 2012 was straight-up legendary. He helped turn that secondary into a Super Bowl-winning squad. You don’t just get to that level of coaching by accident—Austin’s a straight-up defensive guru.

How long is Teryl Austin’s contract?

Thanks to his contract extension that runs through this year. Austin’s future in Pittsburgh is solidified, and the Steelers are basically banking on him to keep their defense savage. His track record of turning defenses into elite units is exactly why Pittsburgh locked him in for the long haul. This extension is a major flex for Austin, proving that the Steelers are 100% committed to keeping him around. Especially since players like Minkah Fitzpatrick have reached their peak with his guidance.

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What’s your perspective on:

Is Teryl Austin the secret weapon behind the Steelers' defensive resurgence, or just another overhyped coach?

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And let’s not forget, Austin’s not just any coach—he’s got a Super Bowl-winning team to flex, and he’s been behind some of the sickest defenses in the NFL, from Seattle to Arizona. The dude knows how to develop elite defensive backs like it’s his superpower.

He’s a straight-up genius at turning average squads into straight-up nightmares for any offense. Now that he’s with the Steelers, he’s made Pittsburgh’s Defense one of the most terrifying in the league. And a new contract extension? For sure! Yeah, you can bet Austin’s gonna keep flexing and owning the defensive game for the long haul.

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Is Teryl Austin the secret weapon behind the Steelers' defensive resurgence, or just another overhyped coach?