Image Source: Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire
Key Takeaways
- The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for a new head coach after Mike Tomlin’s voluntary departure.
- The team has already lined up nearly 10 potential candidates for interviews.
- The top four candidates include Nathan Scheelhaase, Chris Shula, Brian Flores, and Klay Kubiak.
- Each of these candidates brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table.
- The Steelers are looking for a fresh perspective, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
Introduction to the Coaching Search
The Pittsburgh Steelers are embarking on a new era in their franchise’s history, as they search for a new head coach to replace the departing Mike Tomlin. As reported, "It took very little time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to line up almost 10 potential head coach candidates for interviews after Mike Tomlin voluntarily stepped down earlier this week." This marks the first time the team has had to hire a new head coach in 19 years, and only the fourth head coach the team has had since 1969. The Steelers are likely looking for a candidate who can bring a fresh perspective to the team, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, which has been a weak point for the team in recent years.
Top Candidates for the Head Coaching Position
Of the nearly 10 candidates the Steelers have lined up for interviews, there are four who stand out as top contenders for the job. Nathan Scheelhaase, the Rams’ passing game coordinator, is one such candidate. As noted, "The more we learn about Scheelhaase, the more we like him. He’s from the Sean McVay coaching tree and by all accounts is something of a guru when it comes to the modern NFL offense." Scheelhaase’s experience and expertise in the modern NFL offense make him an attractive candidate for the Steelers, who are looking to revamp their offense. Another candidate from the McVay coaching tree is Chris Shula, the Rams’ defensive coordinator. While Shula’s strengths lie on the defensive side of the ball, his experience and NFL lineage make him a strong contender for the job.
Experience and Lineage
Brian Flores, the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, is another candidate who is likely to be considered for the head coaching position. As reported, "Many of us wanted the Steelers to keep Flores as the team’s defensive coordinator after his one season as a defensive assistant, but instead, he went on to build a terrifying defense in Minnesota." Flores’s experience and success on the defensive side of the ball, combined with his NFL lineage, make him a strong candidate for the job. He is, as noted, "sort of a younger version of Tomlin," which could carry weight with the Steelers’ front office. Klay Kubiak, the 49ers’ offensive coordinator, is also a top candidate for the job. His work with the Niners’ quarterbacks in his first year as offensive coordinator has been impressive, and his path to the Steelers feels similar to Tomlin’s, "only on the offensive side of the football."
What the Steelers Are Looking For
As the Steelers search for their new head coach, it’s clear that they are looking for a candidate who can bring a fresh perspective to the team. The Steelers’ offense has been a weak point for the team in recent years, and they are likely looking for a candidate who can help revamp the offense and bring a modern NFL approach to the team. As noted, "The Steelers offense has been its weak point for many years so we are good with a young, fresh point of view that focuses on that side of the football." The team is also likely looking for a candidate with experience and a strong NFL lineage, which is why candidates like Scheelhaase, Shula, Flores, and Kubiak are being considered. Ultimately, the Steelers will be looking for a candidate who can bring a winning culture to the team and help them compete at the highest level.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ search for a new head coach is well underway, with nearly 10 candidates lined up for interviews. The top four candidates, including Nathan Scheelhaase, Chris Shula, Brian Flores, and Klay Kubiak, each bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. As the team searches for a fresh perspective, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, they will be considering candidates with experience, a strong NFL lineage, and a modern NFL approach. As reported, "This will be the first time the team has had to hire a new head coach in 19 years and will only be the fourth head coach this team has had since 1969." The Steelers’ decision will have a significant impact on the future of the franchise, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of the team’s new head coach.
https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/steelers/2026/01/17/steelers-nfl-head-coach-mike-tomlin/88223489007/
