Shawn Howe is in his first season as a Steelers' defensive assistant in 2026. He most recently served as the defensive coordinator at Montana State where the Bobcats captured their first FCS National Championship in 2025.
Howe will enter his first season in the NFL and 22nd year coaching overall. In addition to his one year as defensive coordinator at Montana State, he also was the co-defensive coordinator for one season (2024) and four years as run game coordinator/defensive line (2021-24).
In 2025, under Howe, Montana State ranked 15th in the FCS in scoring defense (19.0 points allowed/game), 15th in rush defense (118.8 yards allowed/game) and 20th in total defense (328.8 yards allowed/game). The Bobcats registered 27 takeaways, which ranked tied for third in the nation, including 16 interceptions (sixth-best in the FCS).
Howe has also coached at Southern California (2019-20 and 2011-12), Coastal Carolina (2018), Dixie State (2015-17), Humboldt State (2013-14), Tennessee (2010), Memphis (2007-09), N.C. State (2006) and Rocky Mountain (2004-05).
Howe played defensive end/linebacker at College of Redwoods (2000-01), where he earned First Team All-Mid-Empire Conference honors in 2000. He finished his playing career as a starting defensive end at Rocky Mountain College (2002-03) where he earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and health in 2004.
