Cleveland, OH – June 17, 2025 – In a surprising turn of events that highlights the intense rivalry within the AFC North, Cleveland Browns Quarterbacks Coach Bill Musgrave has reportedly turned down a staggering $34 million offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Musgrave’s decision to remain in Cleveland solidifies his commitment to Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and the Browns’ offensive vision, while simultaneously delivering a significant strategic blow to the Steelers’ efforts to revamp their coaching staff.
Bill Musgrave, a veteran NFL coach with an extensive background as both a quarterback and an offensive coordinator, joined the Cleveland Browns’ staff as a senior offensive assistant in 2023 before being promoted to quarterbacks coach in January 2025. With a coaching career spanning over 26 years, he has worked with numerous Pro Bowl quarterbacks, including Derek Carr, Matt Ryan, and Steve Beuerlein, and has served as an offensive coordinator for six different NFL teams. His current role with the Browns is crucial for the development and performance of the team’s quarterback room, especially amidst ongoing uncertainties at the position.
Sources with direct knowledge of the intense negotiations, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of coaching discussions, confirmed that the Pittsburgh Steelers, under Head Coach Mike Tomlin, mounted an exceptionally aggressive and financially overwhelming pursuit of Musgrave. The Steelers, who brought in Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator in 2024, were reportedly looking to add an experienced quarterback specialist with a proven track record to complement their offensive staff. The considerable offer to Musgrave, a multi-year deal reported to be worth $34 million, would have placed him among the highest-paid assistant coaches in the entire NFL, a salary figure rarely seen for a position coach.
Musgrave’s extensive coaching journey includes stints as offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, and Denver Broncos. He also spent time as quarterbacks coach for the Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons, among other roles. His diverse experience across multiple offensive systems and with various quarterback archetypes makes him a highly sought-after commodity in the league. His expertise in developing game plans and honing quarterback mechanics is invaluable, particularly for a Browns team navigating its quarterback situation.
Musgrave’s decision to forgo such a financially astronomical offer from a bitter division rival speaks volumes about his belief in the Cleveland Browns’ organizational direction and his relationship with Coach Stefanski. In a league where coaching movement is constant and financial incentives often dictate decisions, Musgrave’s choice signals a strong commitment to building something special in Cleveland. It suggests a belief in the Browns’ roster, their cohesive team culture, and the overall trajectory of the franchise under its current leadership. His loyalty to the team, despite the lure of a massive pay increase and a new challenge, will undoubtedly be praised by the Browns’ ownership, players, and passionate fanbase.
For the Cleveland Browns, retaining Bill Musgrave is an enormous strategic victory. Continuity on the coaching staff, especially in such a vital offensive role, is paramount for a team aiming for sustained success. Musgrave’s continued presence ensures that the team’s quarterbacks will receive consistent, high-level instruction and that the offensive system will be implemented with stability. His ability to work with quarterbacks of varying styles and his experience in high-pressure situations are critical assets for the Browns as they look to maximize their offensive potential. This retention sends a powerful message to both current players and prospective free agents that the Browns are a stable and desirable destination, committed to investing in their coaching infrastructure and fostering a winning environment.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, missing out on Musgrave, especially after tabling such a monumental financial package, is a notable setback in their offensive restructuring plans. While they have Arthur Smith in place as offensive coordinator, the aggressive pursuit of Musgrave indicates a clear intent to bring in additional, specialized talent to their offensive staff. The Steelers will now likely need to re-evaluate their options or intensify their focus on developing their existing coaching personnel to achieve their offensive goals, particularly at the quarterback position.
The reported $34 million offer itself underscores the escalating financial “arms race” that continues to define NFL coaching. Teams are increasingly willing to pay unprecedented amounts to secure and retain top-tier coordinators and position coaches, recognizing their direct correlation to on-field success, player development, and overall program trajectory in a highly competitive and high-stakes professional sports landscape.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Bill Musgrave’s decision to remain with the Cleveland Browns solidifies their offensive leadership and provides a significant boost of confidence. His continued presence ensures continuity and a commitment to offensive excellence, a factor that will undoubtedly contribute to the Browns’ efforts to climb the competitive ladder of the AFC North and beyond, with their experienced coach leading the charge in the quarterback room.
