Former Steelers OL Subtly Criticizes Coaching Staff.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chuks Okorafor is adjusting to his new team, the New England Patriots, after signing with them in free agency. He has already switched to the left side of the line and notices a significant difference in the coaching style, which is much more focused on education and technique compared to his previous coaches.
During the Patriots’ OTAs, Okorafor mentioned that not all his past coaches emphasized teaching technique as much as those in New England.
“He’s solid. He’s big on technique. Some of my past coaches, whether in college or the NFL, were more about just running and hitting. But here, it’s all about technique, hands, feet, everything. So far, it’s been good,” Okorafor told the Boston Herald.
In Pittsburgh, Okorafor worked under offensive line coaches Mike Munchak (2018), Shaun Sarrett (2019-2020), Adrian Klemm (2021), and Pat Meyer (2022-2023). Although initially viewed as a left tackle, he was moved to the right and was eventually benched for rookie Broderick Jones due to what he and the coaches referred to as disciplinary reasons.
“It was just something I said,” Okorafor explained. “Given the way the game was going last week, I said something I shouldn’t have. Being in my sixth year, I can’t act out like that. It was mostly that and nothing else. I don’t know what’s going to happen next week. I hope I’ll be out there with the guys, but it’s not my call.”
Okorafor will compete for a role in New England’s offense this season while Pittsburgh moves on with Troy Fautanu. They hope their current offensive line coach emphasizes more than just hitting people.
