Could the Mike Tomlin Era Be Nearing Its End? If So, Here’s Who the Steelers Might Turn To Next
After a tough loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads - and the questions surrounding Mike Tomlin’s future are growing louder by the day. The organization has long been known for its stability at head coach, but after a decade of middling results and a season that’s teetering on collapse, the possibility of change is starting to feel more real than ever.
Let’s be clear: Mike Tomlin is one of the most respected coaches in the NFL, and his resume speaks for itself. But in the results-driven world of professional football, past success only buys so much time.
The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and the team’s recent performances have been inconsistent at best. If this season continues on its current trajectory, it wouldn’t be shocking to see both sides decide it’s time for a fresh start.
If that happens - if the Steelers decide to turn the page on the Tomlin era - the search for his successor will be one of the most closely watched in the league. Pittsburgh is still one of the NFL’s marquee franchises, and the job will attract top-tier talent. Here’s a look at some of the names that could be in play.
Klint Kubiak - Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
If the Steelers want to modernize their offense - and let’s be honest, it’s long overdue - Klint Kubiak is a name that should be high on their list. The son of Super Bowl-winning coach Gary Kubiak, Klint has carved out his own path in the NFL, and he’s doing it with serious results.
Now calling plays in Seattle, Kubiak has helped orchestrate one of the league’s most explosive offenses, despite working with Sam Darnold at quarterback. That’s no small feat. The Seahawks currently rank third in scoring, and Kubiak’s ability to adapt and elevate his personnel is a major reason why.
Before Seattle, he spent time in New Orleans and worked under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco as the 49ers’ passing game coordinator. That’s a coaching tree that’s become synonymous with offensive innovation. Pittsburgh has never hired a head coach with a true offensive pedigree, but in today’s NFL, that’s exactly the kind of shift that could unlock a new era - especially if the Steelers are planning to develop a young quarterback.
Jesse Minter - Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers
If Pittsburgh wants to stay true to its defensive roots, Jesse Minter is a name that fits the mold. Minter’s rise through the coaching ranks has been steady and impressive, with a résumé that includes stops under both John and Jim Harbaugh - two of the most respected names in football.
He started his NFL career with the Ravens, working as a defensive assistant and later as the defensive backs coach. That stint gave him an inside look at one of the most consistently tough defenses in the league - and, let’s not forget, an intimate understanding of the Steelers’ biggest rival.
After a successful run at Michigan, where he helped guide the Wolverines to a national championship as defensive coordinator, Minter followed Jim Harbaugh to the Chargers. Now leading one of the NFL’s top defenses in Los Angeles, he’s proving he can translate success at every level.
For a franchise that’s built its identity on hard-nosed defense, Minter brings both pedigree and production. And that Ravens background? That’s just icing on the cake.
Jeff Hafley - Defensive Coordinator, Green Bay Packers
Another defensive mind who could be in the mix is Jeff Hafley, currently overseeing a Packers unit that ranks among the league’s best. Hafley’s coaching journey has taken him through both the college and pro ranks, and he’s earned respect at every stop along the way.
Steelers fans might remember Hafley from his time at the University of Pittsburgh, where he coached from 2006 to 2010. Since then, he’s been on a steady climb: co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State, head coach at Boston College, and now defensive coordinator in Green Bay.
The Packers’ defense has been a strength this season, and Hafley’s fingerprints are all over it. He brings a mix of NFL and collegiate experience, plus a familiarity with Pittsburgh that could make for a smooth transition. If the Steelers want someone who can bring discipline and structure to a talented - but underperforming - defense, Hafley makes a lot of sense.
Mike LaFleur & Chris Shula - Coordinators, Los Angeles Rams
If you’re looking for rising stars in the coaching world, the Rams staff is always a good place to start. Sean McVay’s coaching tree has already produced several head coaches, and his current coordinators - Mike LaFleur and Chris Shula - could be next in line.
Mike LaFleur, the Rams’ offensive coordinator, has a résumé that includes time under both Kyle Shanahan and his brother, Matt LaFleur. That’s a who’s who of modern offensive minds.
With Matthew Stafford playing some of the best football of his career, LaFleur has helped build an offense that’s clicking on all levels. His ability to design creative, quarterback-friendly systems could be exactly what the Steelers need as they search for their next franchise signal-caller.
On the other side of the ball, Chris Shula - grandson of the legendary Don Shula - has been with the Rams since 2017 and has played a key role in the team’s defensive success. He’s helped guide the Rams to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one, and currently has the defense ranked in the top half of the league. Shula’s deep football roots and steady rise through the coaching ranks make him a legitimate candidate for a head coaching job.
What’s Next for Pittsburgh?
The Steelers have long prided themselves on continuity, and few franchises have been more loyal to their head coaches. But every era eventually reaches a turning point, and this one feels dangerously close. If the Steelers do decide to move on from Mike Tomlin, they’ll be entering unfamiliar territory - but they’ll also have a chance to reshape the future of the franchise.
Whether they lean toward an offensive innovator like Klint Kubiak or Mike LaFleur, or stick with a defensive identity through Jesse Minter, Jeff Hafley, or Chris Shula, the next hire will be about more than just X’s and O’s. It’ll be about setting a new tone, building a new culture, and charting a course back to championship contention.
One thing’s for sure: if change is coming, the Steelers will have no shortage of intriguing options.