Sean

Spence

Spence is expected to serve as the Chargers’ new inside linebackers coach, though the role has not yet been finalized. The former NFL linebacker (2012-2017) began his coaching career as a special teams analyst at Western Michigan in 2023. He coached linebackers for them in 2024 and edges in 2025.

A four-year starter for the Hurricanes, Spence will likely slot in as a WILL ‘backer for the Steelers’ elderly linebacker corps. He’s under-sized at 5-foot-11, 231 pounds, but boasts excellent speed and is a big hitter. Spence’s above-average athleticism helps him get off-the-ball quickly, and hold his own in coverage despite his size limitations. He could see big snaps as a rookie as Pittsburgh looks to keep its veterans fresh.

Spencer is 5-foot-11, 231, but the Steelers don’t worry much about size at inside ‘backer. “We are going to teach him the inside linebacker position, both positions, and see where that leads us,” said Colbert. “You watch his tape, the guy’s read-and-react is exceptional. That helps him compensate for some of the deficiencies he has in size and length. He is aggressive and he’s tough.”

“He’s coming along well. A very sharp young man,” said LBs coach Keith Butler. “He’s picking up our system as good as anybody has at this point.” Added DC Dick LeBeau, “He’s done everything any first-year player could do in coaching sessions without pads. I think we’re in the right direction there.” Even if Spence doesn’t push Larry Foote for the starting job, he’s expecting to see playing time as a rookie.

He should be placed on injured reserve Friday. Pittsburgh’s third-round pick suffered the gruesome-looking injury in Thursday’s preseason finale. Spence was set to serve as a reserve inside linebacker and core special teamer. It’s not a guarantee he’ll be 100 percent for camp next summer.

This comes on the heels of preseason injuries to RG David DeCastro and FB David Johnson. Third-rounder Spence, a quick study in OTAs, had to be carted off with his entire leg in a brace, suggesting a broken bone. He was headed for a special teams role as a rookie.

That’s the initial diagnosis courtesy of Profootballtalk. It’s a season-ending injury for the third-rounder, and could end up threatening Spence’s career. Undersized at 5'11" and 231 pounds, Spence can’t afford to lose speed and agility.

The Steelers believe the sideline-to-sideline tackling machine’s “read-and-react” will compensate for his size deficiencies at 5'11" and under 230 pounds. A four-year starter at Miami, Spence impressed at rookie minicamp while learning both the BUCK and the MACK positions at inside linebacker. Like most Steelers early-round linebackers, he’ll learn the ropes on special teams as a rookie.

The Steelers are operating as if Spence won’t play. “I know a lot of people have not been able to come back after damage like that, but I’m going to see if I can be one of the only ones,” Spence said of the torn ACL, torn LCL and dislocated knee he suffered last preseason. “Actually, I know that I’m going to beat the odds. I’m not really worried about that.” Despite his optimism, it’s unlikely Spence suits up this season, making 2014 a make-or-break year for the 2012 third-rounder.

The 86th pick in last year’s draft, there is some question about whether Spence will play football again. “He’s not recovered yet and, quite honestly, we have to keep our fingers crossed,” Colbert said. “We just hold out hope Sean can have a successful recovery and be a Steeler.” They can’t count on him for 2013.