The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering unfamiliar territory this offseason - searching for a new head coach for the first time in nearly two decades. Replacing Mike Tomlin, who never posted a losing season in 19 years at the helm, is no small task.
While the consistency was there, the playoff drought since 2017 has left fans hungry for more than just regular-season respectability. The next man up will be expected to deliver postseason wins - and fast.
As the coaching carousel spins, the Steelers’ search remains deliberate and, at times, a little mysterious. One thing we now know: the Kubiak brothers are out of the running.
Despite some early speculation around Klint and Klay Kubiak - both respected young offensive minds - neither appears to be in serious consideration for the job. Klint Kubiak, who’s drawn interest from other teams this cycle, didn’t even get an interview with the Steelers. That’s notable, especially for a coach whose stock has been on the rise thanks to his work developing quarterbacks and designing modern passing schemes.
His brother, Klay, did get a virtual meeting with the team, but that’s as far as it went. According to insider reports, the Steelers are moving on and won’t be hiring either Kubiak brother. It’s not a huge shock - neither was seen as a frontrunner - but it does narrow the field in what’s shaping up to be a wide-ranging and competitive search.
The Steelers are taking their time, and with good reason. This hire isn’t just about maintaining a tradition of winning - it’s about getting back to winning when it matters most: January.
In-person interviews are lined up with Brian Flores, Mike McCarthy, and Anthony Weaver, all of whom bring different strengths to the table. Flores, of course, has familiarity with the organization, having spent time on Tomlin’s staff.
McCarthy brings a Super Bowl pedigree. Weaver is a rising star with a strong defensive background.
Meanwhile, other candidates are in a bit of a holding pattern. Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase are still in the mix, but with the Rams still in the playoffs, their interview timelines are delayed.
Shula, in particular, is a name to watch. He’s drawn comparisons to the likes of Tomlin, Bill Cowher, and Chuck Noll in terms of profile - young, energetic, and ready to lead.
But that doesn’t mean he’s a lock.
The Steelers’ ownership, led by Art Rooney II, has made it clear: the expectation is to contend every year. That might suggest a lean toward someone with head coaching experience, someone who can step in and command a locker room from Day 1. But the organization has never been afraid to go against the grain if they believe in a candidate’s long-term vision.
Could a surprise name like Sean McDermott enter the conversation late? It’s possible. The Steelers have shown a willingness to be patient, and if that means waiting until after the Super Bowl to make a move, so be it.
For now, we can officially cross the Kubiaks off the list. The Steelers’ next head coach won’t be part of that coaching tree. But the search is far from over - and given the history and expectations in Pittsburgh, they’ll want to make sure they get this one right.