The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially entered the next chapter of their storied franchise, launching their search for a new head coach following the resignation of Mike Tomlin. And while it’s still early in the process, the team’s initial list of candidates is already revealing a familiar trend: defense-first leadership.
That approach tracks with the Steelers’ identity across decades. From Chuck Noll to Bill Cowher to Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh has always leaned into a hard-nosed, defensive mindset. So it’s no surprise that most of the names in the early mix are cut from that same cloth.
One name that’s drawing attention - even though he hasn’t yet been formally interviewed - is San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. His name is surfacing as a potential fit, and when you look at the bigger picture, there’s a compelling case to be made.
Saleh brings head-coaching experience from his time with the New York Jets, where he led the team for over three seasons. The win-loss record - 20-36 - doesn’t jump off the page, but context matters.
Saleh took over a Jets team mired in dysfunction and instability, and despite the chaos, he managed to build one of the league’s top defenses. That’s no small feat when your offense is cycling through quarterbacks like it’s a preseason scrimmage.
Now back in San Francisco, Saleh has rejoined the 49ers as defensive coordinator, and he’s once again proving his value. This season, the Niners’ defense has been hit hard by injuries - losing stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner - but Saleh’s unit has still managed to punch above its weight. It’s not a dominant defense by the numbers, but it’s resilient, disciplined, and opportunistic - a reflection of Saleh’s coaching DNA.
That gritty, overachieving identity would resonate in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have long prided themselves on toughness and defensive excellence, and Saleh fits that mold.
He doesn’t just coach defense - he builds culture. He inspires buy-in.
And he’s done it in some of the NFL’s most challenging environments.
There’s also an intriguing offensive wrinkle to consider. Saleh has a strong connection with Mike McDaniel, the former Miami Dolphins head coach and one of the more creative offensive minds in the game. Both were part of Kyle Shanahan’s staff in San Francisco, and there’s speculation that a Saleh hire could potentially bring McDaniel along as offensive coordinator.
Now, McDaniel’s tenure in Miami didn’t end on a high note, but his offensive acumen is well-respected around the league. For a Steelers offense that’s in desperate need of modernization, that kind of innovation could be a game-changer. Even if McDaniel doesn’t join him, Saleh would still bring a strong network and a track record of hiring quality assistants - a crucial factor for any head coach stepping into a rebuild or retool.
Of course, nothing is set in stone yet. Saleh hasn’t been interviewed, and the Steelers are still casting a wide net.
But if Pittsburgh is looking to stay true to its roots while also injecting new energy into the franchise, Robert Saleh checks a lot of boxes. He’s been through the fire, he knows how to lead a locker room, and he’s shown he can get the most out of his players - even when the odds are stacked against him.
For a franchise that values toughness, continuity, and defensive excellence, Saleh might just be the kind of coach who can carry that tradition forward - while adding a modern twist.