First-year Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni is not afraid to push his receivers. One exchange between Azzanni and wide receiver George Pickens made headlines early in training camp after Pickens appeared visibly frustrated following criticism from Azzanni on a certain assignment. A few days later, Pickens was asked about Azzanni, and he said that his coaching style was “not a huge change” for him, comparing Azzanni’s energy and temperament to his head coach at Georgia, Kirby Smart.
The situation seems to be nothing more than a hard-nosed coach trying to shape up a young, talented receiver.