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Don Kelly suddenly carries Pittsburgh’s sports hopes after Mike Tomlin exit

Related Topics: Don Kelly, Mike Tomlin

It's one thing for a first-time manager to have the weight of playoff expectations on his shoulders. It's another for him to be expected to handle the burden of an entire city thirsting for a championship.

Though Don Kelly technically took over as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates partway through the 2025 season, this upcoming campaign will be his first year as the full-time skipper. He's already restructured the coaching staff in an effort to change the clubhouse's culture following seven consecutive losing seasons.

That stands in stark contrast to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have done nothing but win for decades on end.