The Steel City Insider: With Jim Wexell & Jeremy Hritz

The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads — and this head coaching decision could define the next decade of football in Pittsburgh. In this episode of the Steel City Insider Podcast, we’re joined by 2× Super Bowl Champion and former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex to break down the Steelers’ head coaching search from the inside.

Trai shares his perspective on the top coaching candidates, who the true favorites are behind the scenes, and whether a new head coach can realistically contend in Year 1. We also dive into free agency priorities, the quarterback situation, and what fans often don’t see during a coaching transition inside an NFL organization — from culture shifts to locker-room dynamics.

If you’re a Steelers fan trying to understand where this team is headed next, this is a must-watch conversation. Make sure to subscribe, drop a comment with who you want as the next head coach, and share this episode with a fellow Steelers fan.

👉 Be sure to check out Trai’s podcast with Charlie Batch, The Snap Count:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNg9nGFNNtE

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are back in the playoffs — and once again, the national media isn’t giving them a chance.

In Episode #168 of the Steel City Insider Podcast, Steelers insider Jim Wexell joins co-host Jeremy Hritz to break down Monday Night Football’s playoff matchup at Acrisure Stadium as the Steelers prepare to face the red-hot Houston Texans, winners of nine straight games.

We dive into why Pittsburgh continues to be underestimated, how veteran leadership and postseason poise factor into this matchup, and what the Texans struggle with most — including defending the deep pass and generating a consistent running game.

Jim also draws fascinating comparisons between this Steelers team and the gritty 1989 Steelers under Chuck Noll — a group nobody believed in until January football arrived.

If you’re looking for grounded, film-driven analysis without the national noise, this episode delivers exactly that.

👇 Join the conversation

• Drop your prediction for Monday night in the comments

• Subscribe for weekly Steelers analysis and playoff coverage

• Share this episode with a Steelers fan who’s tired of the disrespect

Steelers football is built for moments like this.

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Dive into the latest episode of the Steel City Insider Podcast as we break down an ugly, frustrating loss for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the lowly Cleveland Browns — a loss that blew their chance to clinch the AFC North and turned Week 18 into a win-or-go-home showdown.

Now, everything comes down to Sunday Night Football in Pittsburgh. Beat the Baltimore Ravens, and the Steelers win the division and punch their ticket to the postseason. Lose — and the season is over.

In this episode, we tackle the biggest questions facing the Black and Gold:

Can the Steelers beat Baltimore without DK Metcalf?

Is the offense simply too weak to rise to the moment?

Can the defense step up when it matters most?

And if things go south on Sunday night… will the “Fire Mike Tomlin” chants start echoing through Acrisure Stadium?

We break down what went wrong against Cleveland, what has to change against the Ravens, and whether this team has the toughness, discipline, and execution to survive with everything on the line. We also give our predictions — Steelers or Ravens — and what a loss could mean for the future of this team.

Whether you’re frustrated, hopeful, angry, or somewhere in between, this is a must-watch episode for Steelers fans heading into the biggest games of the season.

Join the conversation:

Like the video

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Comment below: Do the Steelers get it done Sunday night — or is this the end?

Steel City Insider Podcast delivers unfiltered, insider-level Steelers coverage every week. From training camp to must-win games under the lights, we bring the analysis, accountability, and passion that Steelers fans demand.

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If you’re riding with the Black and Gold, make sure you’re subscribed and notifications are on so you don’t miss a single episode.

Who wins Sunday night — Steelers or Ravens? Drop your prediction below and let’s talk.

The Pittsburgh Steelers proved once again that grit, leadership, and belief still matter in today’s NFL.

In this episode of the Steel City Insider Podcast, insider Jim Wexell and co-host Jeremy Hritz break down a statement win as the Steelers’ so-called “castoffs” dispatched the Miami Dolphins — and why this victory could be a turning point for a late-season playoff push.

We dive into:

🔥 How Aaron Rodgers’ leadership is quietly transforming the locker room and fueling postseason hope

🔥 Why this Steelers team is thriving despite being counted out

🔥 The strong play of Dylan Cook and what it means going forward

🔥 Key takeaways from beating Miami and what must carry over

🔥 A look ahead to the massive Detroit matchup and what’s at stake

Then, the episode takes a special and personal turn as Faith Wolfley, wife of Steelers legend Craig “Wolf” Wolfley, joins the show to discuss Craig’s book If These Walls Could Talk. Faith shares hilarious, heartfelt, and never-before-heard stories from Craig’s life in the Steelers’ locker room, on the sidelines, and in the press box — giving fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved voices.

This is a must-watch episode for Steelers fans who love:

✔ Honest analysis

✔ Locker-room stories

✔ Steelers history

✔ And belief in what this team can still become

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📚 Support Former Steeler Craig Wolfley

Pick up If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Pittsburgh Steelers Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box — a perfect gift for every Steelers fan.

👉 Buy on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/These-Walls-Could-Talk-Pittsburgh/dp/1637277636

📍 Book Signing Event

📅 Saturday, December 20 | 3–5 PM

📍 Pizzaz Italian Restaurant

📍 2850 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317

✍️ Meet Jim Wexell & Faith Wolfley and get your copy signed!

⸻

🏈 Follow Jim Wexell & Explore More Steelers Coverage

🔗 Steel City Insider: https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/

🐦 X/Twitter: @jimwexell

📚 More books: https://jimwexell.com

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📢 Join the Conversation

👍 Like the video

🔔 Subscribe for real Steelers analysis

💬 Comment below: Are these Steelers built for a postseason run?

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The Pittsburgh Steelers came away with a gritty, hard-fought win over the Baltimore Ravens to move into first place in the AFC North — but as always, there’s plenty to unpack! In this episode of the Steel City Insider Podcast, insider Jim Wexell and co-host Jeremy Hritz break down Steelers Beat Ravens, Concerns Remain, Miami Awaits with a full, no-nonsense assessment of where this team truly stands.

The Steelers handled business (sloppily) vs. the Patriots, but can they keep the momentum going all the way to 3-1 before the bye? 🔥

In this episode of Steel City Insider, we pay tribute to longtime Steelers beat writer Dale Lolley and his incredible impact on Pittsburgh sports journalism. We also break down the Steelers’ tough loss to the Seahawks, asking whether the offensive and defensive lines can step up and improve. Finally, we preview this weekend’s big matchup vs. the Patriots.

The 2025 NFL season kicks off with a huge Steelers vs Jets matchup — and we’ve got the ultimate preview! Legendary Steelers insider Jim Wexell is joined by Jets beat writer Rick Laughland to break it all down from both sides of the field.

In this episode:

Can Aaron Rodgers still win big with the Steelers in New York?

What kind of team will the Jets field with Justin Fields leading the way?

Keys for the Steelers offense & defense heading into Week 1.

Game predictions from Rick Laughland and Jim Wexell.

This is your inside look at what to expect in the Steelers’ opener. Don’t miss it!

➡️ Subscribe for weekly Steelers podcasts and insider analysis.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have finalized their 53-man roster, and there are some big surprises! From the unexpected cut of James Pierre to shocking names who made the team, legendary Steelers insider Jim Wexell and Jeremy Hritz break it all down in real time.

We dig into every position group, the tough calls at cornerback, wide receiver depth concerns, and even some peculiar cuts that could signal an upcoming roster move from Omar Khan. With Derrick Harmon’s injury, Beanie Bishop’s absence, and Skylar Thompson’s push at QB, there’s no shortage of storylines heading into Week 1.

Whether you’re hyped for the 2025 season or just here for the inside scoop, we’ve got you covered with expert analysis, insider perspective, and a little Pittsburgh grit.

📚 Don’t forget about Jim’s new book: Pittsburgh Steelers: An Illustrated Timeline — available now!

🔥 Don’t Miss Out! Subscribe & hit the 🔔 to stay updated on all things Steelers!

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The Pittsburgh Steelers closed out the 2025 preseason with a 19–10 win over the Carolina Panthers — but the real story is the roster battles and cut-down to 53 players. 🏈

In this episode, Jim Wexell breaks down:

✅ Who’s in and who’s out for the Steelers’ 53-man roster

🚑 Derrick Harmon’s injury update and what it means moving forward

❌ Beanie Bishop’s absence from the game???

⚡ YA Black’s strong play and where he fits on the defensive line

📉 Weaknesses at the back end of the wide receiver depth chart

🏃 Mark Robinson possibly on his way out

🏈 The punter battle and who has the edge

🔥 Skylar Thompson’s push that could knock Mason Rudolph off the roster

…and much more insider analysis!

Whether you’re hyped for the 2025 season or just here for the inside scoop, we’ve got you covered with expert analysis, insider perspective, and a little Pittsburgh grit.

📚 Don’t forget about Jim’s new book! Pittsburgh Steelers: An Illustrated Timeline — available now!

🐦 Follow Jeremy on X (Twitter): ⁠@SteelStudy⁠

🔥 Don’t Miss Out! Subscribe & hit the 🔔 to stay updated on all things Steelers! Let’s ride this season together!

📩 Comment your bold prediction for the Steelers’ first regular season game!

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