Steelers Eye Rising Star Nate Scheelhaase, Draw Early Comparisons to Tomlin
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ search for their next head coach is heating up, and one name is already turning heads in NFL circles: Nate Scheelhaase. The 35-year-old Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator made a strong impression during his virtual interview with the Steelers - so much so that some inside the organization are drawing early comparisons to Mike Tomlin’s now-legendary interview back in 2007.
Scheelhaase, like Tomlin before him, is a young, energetic coach with a sharp football mind and a presence that commands attention. According to reports, his virtual sit-down with the Steelers left a mark - not just because of his resume, but because of how he carried himself. That’s the kind of intangible quality that can separate a good candidate from a great one.
Of course, nothing is final. Several candidates are still scheduled for in-person interviews with Steelers president Art Rooney II, who will ultimately make the call. But Scheelhaase is firmly in the mix - and for good reason.
Right now, the Steelers will have to wait a bit longer before they can bring him in for a face-to-face meeting. The Rams punched their ticket to the NFC Championship Game with a dramatic 20-17 overtime win over the Bears, which means Scheelhaase and Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula - another Steelers candidate - remain unavailable for in-person interviews until after that game.
Still, it’s telling that Scheelhaase was the first name the Steelers requested to interview when their coaching search began. That initial interest speaks volumes. He’s in just his first season as the Rams' passing game coordinator, but he’s already earned a reputation as one of the league’s brightest young minds.
Before landing in Los Angeles, Scheelhaase spent a season as an offensive assistant with the Rams, learning under Sean McVay - a head coach whose coaching tree is quickly becoming one of the most prolific in the NFL. Just look at the names that have come out of McVay’s orbit: Zac Taylor, Matt LaFleur, Kevin O’Connell, and Liam Coen. Scheelhaase could be next.
This isn’t just about pedigree, though. Scheelhaase’s track record speaks for itself.
A former standout quarterback at Illinois, he threw for over 8,000 yards from 2009 to 2013 and still holds school records for career passing yards and single-season completion percentage. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior, but instead of chasing a pro career, he jumped straight into coaching - a decision that’s clearly paying off.
He began his coaching journey at Illinois as an offensive assistant, then moved on to Iowa State, where he climbed the ranks under Matt Campbell. Over six seasons, he served as running backs coach, wide receivers coach, and ultimately offensive coordinator. That kind of versatility and upward mobility is exactly what NFL teams look for in a future head coach.
Scheelhaase’s name isn’t just popping up in Pittsburgh. He’s also interviewed virtually with the Ravens, Browns, and Raiders for their head coaching vacancies. And once the Rams’ playoff run ends, he’s already lined up for a second interview with the Browns.
Steelers fans know how rare it is for this franchise to be in the market for a head coach - they’ve only had three since 1969. So when someone draws a comparison to Mike Tomlin’s breakout interview nearly two decades ago, it’s worth paying attention.
Scheelhaase may not be the frontrunner just yet, but his stock is clearly rising. And if his in-person interview is as strong as his virtual one, Pittsburgh could be looking at the next young coach to carry on the franchise’s proud tradition.