The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially in uncharted territory. For the first time since 2007 - and only the fourth time since 1969 - they’re searching for a new head coach.
Mike Tomlin’s sudden departure after 19 seasons and seven straight playoff exits has left a massive vacancy in one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. And make no mistake: this hire isn’t just about finding the next man up.
It’s about finding the right fit to lead a new era in Pittsburgh - one that honors the franchise’s tradition while addressing its current and future challenges.
With the search already underway, the Steelers are casting a wide net. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top candidates being considered, along with what each one brings - and what they might lack - in the eyes of a franchise known for its stability and high expectations.
Anthony Weaver - Defensive Coordinator, Miami Dolphins
Why he fits:
The Steelers have already brought Weaver in for an in-person interview, which tells you they see something promising.
In many ways, he mirrors the kind of hire Pittsburgh made back in 2007 when they took a chance on a young, rising defensive mind named Mike Tomlin. Weaver has worked his way up from college coaching to the NFL ranks, building a reputation for developing defensive lines and crafting strong pass rushes - something that would surely appeal to veterans like Cam Heyward and T.J.
Watt.
Why there’s hesitation:
Weaver isn’t exactly the fresh-faced upstart some might expect - he’s 45 and has been coaching for over 15 years.
His two-year stint as Miami’s defensive coordinator hasn’t exactly lit the league on fire either. The Dolphins ranked 11th in total yards allowed per game in 2025 - not terrible, but not elite either.
The question is whether he’s ready to take the leap, or if this job might require a bit more experience at the top.
Brian Flores - Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
Why he fits:
Flores is a familiar face in Pittsburgh.
He was part of Tomlin’s staff in 2022 and has head coaching experience, having led the Dolphins to a 10-6 record in 2020. That kind of track record - especially from someone who’s already been in the Steelers’ building - gives him a leg up in terms of understanding the culture and expectations that come with this job.
He’s also known for his no-nonsense approach and defensive acumen, two traits that align well with the franchise’s identity.
Why there’s hesitation:
The biggest knock on Flores?
He might be too familiar. Some fans are eager for a true reset, and Flores feels like a continuation of the Tomlin era rather than a departure from it.
He’s also a defensive-first coach, and with Pittsburgh likely drafting a rookie quarterback this spring, there’s concern about whether Flores is the right guy to develop the offensive side of the ball - a unit that struggled for much of 2025.
Chris Shula - Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
Why he fits:
The Shula name carries serious weight in NFL circles - Chris is the grandson of legendary coach Don Shula.
But this isn’t just about legacy. Chris has carved out his own path, working his way up through the Rams organization since 2017.
He’s been part of two Super Bowl appearances and one championship under Sean McVay, and he currently leads a Rams defense known for its aggressive pass rush and smart situational play.
Why there’s hesitation:
Shula is young and relatively untested in a top leadership role - he’s only been a coordinator for two seasons.
That’s not necessarily a deal-breaker for the Steelers, who’ve historically embraced youthful hires. But stepping into one of the most high-pressure jobs in football is a different beast.
Can he command a locker room? Can he manage a full staff?
Those are fair questions - and ones the Steelers will need answered before moving forward.
Mike McCarthy - Former Head Coach, Packers & Cowboys
Why he fits:
If the Steelers want experience, McCarthy checks every box.
He’s a Pittsburgh native with a Super Bowl ring and a long track record of winning seasons. His teams are consistently competitive, and he’s known for his ability to steady the ship and command respect.
Bringing in McCarthy would offer immediate stability - something that could be valuable during a transitional period.
Why there’s hesitation:
There’s no denying McCarthy’s resume, but his last Super Bowl win came at the end of the 2010 season - ironically, against Tomlin’s Steelers.
Since then, his teams have consistently fallen short in the postseason. Sound familiar?
That’s part of the concern - that McCarthy might replicate the same playoff frustrations that marked the end of the Tomlin era. At 62, he’d also be the second-oldest coach in the league behind Andy Reid, which doesn’t exactly align with Pittsburgh’s history of hiring younger head coaches.
Remember: Tomlin was 34 when he got the job. Cowher was 34.
Chuck Noll was just 37.
Klay Kubiak - Offensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers
Why he fits:
Kubiak’s name might not be as familiar as some others, but his coaching lineage is undeniable.
His father, Gary, was a longtime NFL coach, and his brothers are also involved in the league. Klay’s own work speaks for itself - he’s been instrumental in the development of Brock Purdy, helping turn the former Mr.
Irrelevant into one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks. The 49ers finished among the top eight teams in total offense in 2025, and Kubiak’s fingerprints are all over that success.
Why there’s hesitation:
Like Shula, Kubiak is young and relatively new to the coordinator role.
There’s a sense that he might benefit from a few more years of seasoning before taking on a job of this magnitude. That said, the Steelers have shown they’re willing to take a chance if the right candidate impresses - just ask Tomlin, who wowed the Rooney family in his 2007 interview despite limited experience at the time.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just another coaching search.
For the Steelers, it’s a defining moment - one that will shape the next decade of football in Pittsburgh. Whether they go with a seasoned veteran like McCarthy, a familiar face like Flores, or a rising star like Kubiak or Shula, the decision will have ripple effects across the roster, the locker room, and the fan base.
The standard in Pittsburgh has always been the same: compete for championships. Whoever takes over will need to do more than just maintain that standard - they’ll need to elevate it.