Underrated Dallas Cowboys Assistant Poached by Mike McCarthy, Steelers

In a move that will certainly stir up more than a few reactions, the Dallas Cowboys are losing another assistant coach, and this time, it’s a key figure from their offensive staff. Ramon Chinyoung, the team’s assistant offensive line coach, has been poached by none other than Mike McCarthy, who recently made the jump from the Cowboys’ sidelines to head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. This shakeup comes as Dallas is in the midst of retooling its roster and staff ahead of the upcoming NFL free agency and draft.

A Significant Coaching Shakeup for Dallas

The departure of Chinyoung is another sign of the changes happening within the Cowboys’ coaching staff. As Dallas looks to rebuild and enhance its chances for a bounce-back season, McCarthy’s moves are leaving a noticeable mark on the franchise. With the NFL free agency period looming, the Cowboys are focused on assembling the right coaching team to develop the players who will carry their revamped approach forward.

And who better to step in than Mike McCarthy, who, as Dallas’ former head coach, now finds himself leading the Pittsburgh Steelers. McCarthy has already begun making some strategic coaching hires for Pittsburgh, starting with respected tight ends coach Lunda Wells, whom he interviewed for the Steelers’ offensive coordinator job. Now, McCarthy has also brought in Chinyoung, who will be stepping up to a new role as Pittsburgh’s running backs coach.

Chinyoung’s Rise Through the Ranks

Chinyoung’s move to Pittsburgh is a big deal, both for McCarthy and the Cowboys. A respected and valued member of Brian Schottenheimer’s staff, Chinyoung has worked his way up the NFL coaching ladder, earning recognition for his work with the offensive line. In his time with the Cowboys, Chinyoung helped develop one of the most formidable offensive lines in the league, contributing significantly to the growth of young talents like Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, Cooper Beebe, and Tyler Guyton.

Chinyoung’s coaching journey began with the Denver Broncos in 2022, where he served as an offensive quality control coach. After just one season, he moved on to join the Cowboys under McCarthy in 2023. There, Chinyoung continued his work as an assistant offensive line coach and offensive quality control coach, a role he held until being retained by Schottenheimer in 2025.

His steady climb up the coaching ladder is a testament to his hard work, expertise, and the value he brings to a team. Moving from assistant offensive line coach to running backs coach in Pittsburgh is a significant promotion for Chinyoung and one that highlights his coaching potential and development.

A Big Loss for the Cowboys

For Cowboys fans, Chinyoung’s departure is undoubtedly bittersweet. Over the past few seasons, the Cowboys have seen one of the deepest offensive lines in the league under his guidance, with a strong focus on developing young talent. Chinyoung’s influence played a key role in the breakout year of Javonte Williams, who rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025. Williams’ performance is expected to earn him a big payday in free agency, and Chinyoung’s coaching helped set the stage for that success.

Additionally, the offensive line room, which Chinyoung helped shape, is full of young talent that will be crucial to the Cowboys’ success in the coming seasons. Players like Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker have shown great promise, and Chinyoung’s departure leaves a significant void in a critical part of the team.

While it’s undeniably a loss for the Cowboys, it’s also an exciting moment for Chinyoung as he continues to rise through the ranks. His move to Pittsburgh offers him the chance to take on a new challenge with an established and successful franchise, setting him up for even more success in the future.

McCarthy’s Continued Influence in Pittsburgh

For Mike McCarthy, reuniting with Chinyoung in Pittsburgh could prove to be a shrewd move. Having worked together during their time with the Cowboys, McCarthy knows exactly what Chinyoung brings to the table, and this familiarity could set the stage for a smooth transition. Chinyoung’s expertise with offensive line play and his ability to develop young talent will be valuable assets for McCarthy as he seeks to strengthen the Steelers’ offense.

In Pittsburgh, Chinyoung will be tasked with developing a running back corps that can complement the Steelers’ dynamic offensive attack. It’s a challenge that he seems more than capable of handling, given his success with the Cowboys.

A Bright Future Ahead

Though it’s a loss for the Cowboys, there’s no denying that Chinyoung’s future in coaching is bright. Moving to Pittsburgh and joining McCarthy’s staff will provide him with the opportunity to expand his skill set and continue his upward trajectory. As he continues to advance in his coaching career, his name will likely become more recognized across the NFL, and his impact will continue to be felt as he shapes the next generation of offensive talent.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, will have to regroup and adjust to this latest change. As McCarthy continues to poach talented assistants for the Steelers, Dallas will need to focus on finding the right fit to continue building their roster and coaching staff for the future. The pressure is on to identify the next great offensive line coach who can continue the work that Chinyoung began and ensure the team’s success moving forward.

Conclusion: A Change of Scenery and a New Opportunity

For now, though, it’s time for Chinyoung to step into a new chapter of his coaching career in Pittsburgh. The move to running backs coach is just the latest step in a promising career that’s moving upward at a rapid pace. With McCarthy’s backing and the opportunity to work with one of the NFL’s premier franchises, Chinyoung has everything he needs to continue his development and become one of the league’s top coaches.

As for the Cowboys, this loss is another reminder of the ongoing changes within their organization. With free agency and the draft approaching, the team must adapt and find the right pieces to continue their quest for success. The coaching staff shakeup may be tough in the short term, but it could ultimately set the stage for a brighter future, provided the Cowboys make the right moves.

In the meantime, fans of both Dallas and Pittsburgh will be watching closely as Ramon Chinyoung takes the next step in his coaching journey. Will he thrive in Pittsburgh under McCarthy’s tutelage, or will the Cowboys find the right coach to continue their offensive line success? Only time will tell.