The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering unfamiliar territory - a head coaching search for the first time in nearly two decades. With Mike Tomlin stepping down after 19 seasons and seven straight playoff exits, the franchise faces a pivotal moment.
This is a team that’s had just three head coaches since 1969. That kind of stability is rare in the NFL, and it speaks to the weight of this decision.
Whoever steps in next won’t just be coaching a football team - they’ll be inheriting a legacy.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top candidates reportedly on Pittsburgh’s radar, breaking down what each brings to the table - and what might give the Steelers pause.
Anthony Weaver - Dolphins Defensive Coordinator
Why it makes sense:
Weaver is already on Pittsburgh’s interview list, and that’s no small thing.
He fits the mold of a coach on the rise - a defensive mind with a résumé that’s earned him respect in NFL circles. His specialty?
The defensive line and pass rush. That’s music to the ears of veterans like Cam Heyward and T.J.
Watt, who anchor a defense that still has teeth. In many ways, Weaver would be a throwback to the Tomlin hire in 2007 - a young, energetic defensive coach ready to make the leap.
Why it gives pause:
At 45, Weaver isn’t exactly the fresh-faced upstart Tomlin was when he got the job at 34.
And while he’s been coaching for 16 years, his time as a defensive coordinator has been brief and, frankly, underwhelming. Miami’s defense ranked in the bottom third in yards allowed per game in 2025.
That’s not a deal-breaker, but it does raise questions about whether he’s ready to take over one of the NFL’s most tradition-rich franchises.
Brian Flores - Vikings Defensive Coordinator
Why it makes sense:
Flores is no stranger to Pittsburgh.
He was on Tomlin’s staff in 2022 and earned respect in the building. He also brings head coaching experience from his time in Miami, where he led the Dolphins to a 10-6 record in 2020.
In a field full of coordinators looking for their first shot, Flores stands out as someone who’s already been in the big chair - and didn’t flinch.
Why it gives pause:
Here’s the thing: Flores feels like a Tomlin 2.0.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but for a fan base itching for change, it might not be the most exciting hire. He’s also another defensive-first coach, which could be a tough sell with Pittsburgh likely drafting a rookie quarterback this spring.
The offense struggled in 2025, and whoever takes over will need to show they can elevate that side of the ball - or at least bring in someone who can.
Chris Shula - Rams Defensive Coordinator
Why it makes sense:
The name alone carries weight - Shula is NFL royalty.
But Chris has carved out his own path, rising through the Rams’ coaching ranks since 2017. He’s been part of a winning culture in Los Angeles, including two Super Bowl runs and one title.
His current role leading the Rams’ pass rush speaks to his development as a coach who understands how to build a defense from the trenches out.
Why it gives pause:
Shula is still relatively green at the top level.
He’s held a coordinator role for just two years, and there’s always the risk that the jump to head coach could be too much, too soon. That said, the Steelers have never shied away from giving young coaches a shot - Tomlin, Cowher, and Noll were all hired in their 30s.
The question is whether Shula can command the room and handle the pressure that comes with coaching in Pittsburgh.
Mike McCarthy - Former Packers and Cowboys Head Coach
Why it makes sense:
McCarthy brings experience - and then some.
He’s won a Super Bowl, led multiple playoff teams, and knows how to manage a locker room. He’s also a Pittsburgh native, which adds a layer of hometown appeal.
If the Steelers want a steady hand to guide them through a transitional phase, McCarthy checks that box.
Why it gives pause:
There’s no denying McCarthy’s résumé, but his last Super Bowl win came at the end of the 2010 season - the same year Tomlin last took the Steelers to the big game.
Since then, McCarthy’s teams have consistently fallen short in the postseason, echoing the same frustrations that followed Tomlin in his final years. At 62, he’d also be the second-oldest coach in the league behind Andy Reid.
That runs counter to the Steelers’ historical preference for young, ascending coaches. Noll, Cowher, and Tomlin were all hired before they turned 40.
Klay Kubiak - 49ers Offensive Coordinator
Why it makes sense:
Kubiak is part of a coaching family tree with deep NFL roots.
His father, Gary, was a Super Bowl-winning head coach. His brothers are also involved in the league, and Klay himself has built a strong reputation in San Francisco.
He’s been instrumental in the development of Brock Purdy, helping turn a seventh-round pick into one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks. The 49ers finished in the top eight in total offense in 2025 - a testament to Kubiak’s ability to scheme and adapt.
Why it gives pause:
Like Shula, Kubiak is young and relatively new to running an NFL offense.
The Steelers may worry that the job could be too big, too soon - especially with a potential rookie QB to develop. But then again, that’s exactly the kind of risk that paid off with Tomlin nearly 20 years ago.
If Kubiak can sell his vision in the interview room, history could repeat itself.
Bottom Line:
This isn’t just a coaching search - it’s a defining moment for the Steelers.
Do they double down on their identity with another defense-first hire? Do they swing for offensive innovation to jumpstart a struggling unit?
Do they go with experience or take a chance on youth?
Pittsburgh has always valued stability and culture. But after years of playoff disappointment, change feels inevitable. The right hire won’t just lead the next chapter - they’ll shape the next era of Steelers football.