The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially in transition mode. With Mike Tomlin stepping down after a storied tenure, the search is on for the next leader of one of the NFL’s most tradition-rich franchises.
And make no mistake-this isn’t just about finding a new head coach. It’s about shaping the future of Steelers football, potentially blending the grit and discipline of the past with the innovation and energy of the modern game.
The candidate pool is deep and diverse, ranging from seasoned NFL veterans to rising stars who’ve made waves as coordinators. But with the playoffs still underway, the process comes with some logistical hurdles, especially when it comes to interviewing coaches from active postseason teams.
Two names that have emerged from the Los Angeles Rams staff are turning heads in Pittsburgh: Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase. Both have reportedly earned interviews with the Steelers, and while they’re still coaching in the postseason, the interest from Pittsburgh is very real.
Chris Shula: A Familiar Fit for the Steel City
Let’s start with Shula. The Rams’ defensive coordinator has quickly become one of the hottest names on the market, and for good reason.
Since taking over the Rams' defense, Shula has helped engineer a turnaround that’s caught the attention of more than just the Steelers. His units have been aggressive, disciplined, and creative-qualities that resonate in a city that still reveres the Steel Curtain.
There’s also a sense that Shula just fits what Pittsburgh looks for in a head coach. He’s got deep football lineage, a no-nonsense demeanor, and a track record of maximizing talent. The fact that he’s already being viewed as a top contender-while others like Brian Flores and Anthony Weaver have moved on to second interviews-says a lot about where the Steelers’ focus might be.
Of course, the timing complicates things. The Rams are still alive in the postseason, and Pittsburgh may not want to wait too long if other candidates start to come off the board. But if the Steelers can afford to be patient, Shula might be worth it.
Nate Scheelhaase: A Rising Star on Offense
Then there’s Nate Scheelhaase, another intriguing piece of the potential puzzle. Currently on the Rams’ staff, Scheelhaase has been drawing interest for head coaching gigs himself. But if things break right, there’s a scenario where he could join Shula in Pittsburgh as offensive coordinator.
That would be a big get.
Scheelhaase is viewed as one of the brightest young offensive minds in the league, and his work with the Rams has only added to that reputation. He’s helped develop a balanced, creative attack that’s kept defenses guessing. And if Shula were to land the Steelers job, bringing Scheelhaase along would give Pittsburgh a fresh, modern look on offense-something fans have been craving.
But there are hurdles. For one, Scheelhaase may land a head coaching job elsewhere.
And even if he doesn’t, it’s unclear whether he’d leave a stable situation with the Rams for a coordinator role. Still, the potential pairing of Shula and Scheelhaase is a tantalizing one for Steelers fans.
Raheem Morris: The Veteran Voice on Defense?
If Shula does get the nod in Pittsburgh, one of his smartest moves could be tapping Raheem Morris to run the defense. Morris, who previously served as the Rams’ defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023, has the experience and leadership chops to help anchor a young coaching staff.
There’s also familiarity here-Shula worked under Morris in L.A., holding multiple roles during Morris’ time as DC. That kind of continuity and trust could be invaluable, especially as Shula transitions to his first head coaching job.
Morris would bring a steady hand and a proven track record to the defensive side of the ball. And in a city like Pittsburgh, where defense is part of the franchise’s DNA, that matters.
What’s Next?
The Steelers are casting a wide net, and they’re doing it with purpose. This isn’t just about replacing Mike Tomlin-it’s about setting the tone for the next era of Steelers football. If they can pull off a coaching trifecta with Shula, Scheelhaase, and Morris, they might just strike the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
But with playoff schedules, competing offers, and the usual unpredictability of the hiring cycle, there’s still plenty of work to be done. The next few weeks will be critical. And if Pittsburgh can land its top targets, the 2026 season could mark the beginning of something special at Heinz Field.