PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers today named Gerald Alexander as their defensive backs coach. He previously served as the Steeler’s assistant defensive backs coach for two years (2022-23). Alexander was the safeties coach for Las Vegas in 2024.
Over his first tenure in Pittsburgh, the Steelers secondary recorded 36 interceptions, which was tied for the second-most in the NFL. Pittsburgh’s defense allowed an 84.7 opponent passer rating in 2023, which was the 10th-best in the League. In 2022, Alexander coached a secondary that tied for NFL lead in interceptions with 20. His unit was led by Minkah Fitzpatrick, who recorded a career-high and League best six interceptions. Fitzpatrick earned a Pro Bowl nod and his third career AP First Team All-Pro selection.
Alexander served as defensive backs coach for Miami from 2020-21. In 2021, the Dolphins allowed an 85.4 opponent passer rating, which was the seventh-best mark in the League. In 2020, his defensive backs tied for first in the NFL in interceptions (18). Xavien Howard led the League in interceptions (10) and pass breakups (20), and earned First Team All-Pro honors.
Alexander also held three NFL minority coaching internships with Tennessee (2015), Tampa Bay (2016) and Miami (2019).
Alexander coached at the college level, with stops at California (2017-19), Montana State (2016), Indiana State (2015), Washington (2014) and Arkansas State (2013).
In 2019, Alexander mentored two All-Pac-12 defensive backs in Camryn Bynum and Ashtyn Davis. Davis began his career as a walk-on and developed into a third-round pick of the N.Y. Jets in the 2020 NFL Draft. Bynum was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by Minnesota. Alexander’s unit was one of the nation’s best in 2018. Cal led the Pac-12 and ranked ninth nationally in passing defense, allowing just 175.1 passing yards per game, while leading the Pac-12 and ranking second nationally with 21 interceptions.
Alexander also coached defensive backs at Montana State (2016) and Indiana State (2015). He was a graduate assistant working with defensive backs at Washington in 2014, tutoring two future second-round NFL draft picks in Sidney Jones and Budda Baker. Alexander got his start in the collegiate coaching ranks as a graduate assistant at Arkansas State in 2013.
As a player, Alexander was chosen in the second round (61st overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He appeared in 44 games (starting 30) over his five-year NFL career with Detroit (2007-08), Jacksonville (2009-10), Carolina (2010), Miami (2011) and N.Y. Jets (2011). Alexander finished with 154 tackles (116 solo), 14 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and 2.0 sacks.
A native of Los Angeles, Alexander played safety at Boise State (2003-06) and graduated with a degree in communications. He helped the Broncos to four straight conference titles, a 46-6 record, and 13-0 and Fiesta Bowl Championship season as a senior in 2006.
Source: Steelers/nflomg.com