The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering unfamiliar territory. For the first time in nearly two decades, they’re in the market for a new head coach.
Mike Tomlin, the steady hand who led the franchise for 19 seasons, stepped down following a lopsided 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round. Now, the Steelers are tasked with finding the next leader to guide one of the NFL’s most tradition-rich organizations.
And they’re not wasting any time.
Pittsburgh has cast a wide net in its search, with several names already in the mix - including former assistants like Brian Flores and rising minds like Chris Shula. But one of the more intriguing developments came Thursday night, when the Steelers requested permission to interview San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak.
Yes, that Kubiak.
Klay, 37, is the son of Super Bowl-winning head coach Gary Kubiak, but he’s carving out a name of his own - and fast. After five seasons in San Francisco, his coaching résumé is starting to turn heads across the league.
What’s especially notable? This marks the first time any NFL team has expressed interest in Kubiak for a head coaching role.
Let’s break down why Pittsburgh might see something special in him.
Kubiak’s path with the 49ers has been a steady climb. He joined the team in 2021 as a defensive quality control coach - a bit of an unusual entry point for someone now calling plays on the other side of the ball.
But that early experience gave him a well-rounded understanding of the game. From there, he transitioned to assistant quarterbacks coach for two seasons, helping develop San Francisco’s QB room during a time of both promise and adversity.
In 2024, he was promoted to offensive passing game specialist, a role that put him closer to the strategic heart of Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Then came the big leap - offensive coordinator in 2025.
Now, here’s where it gets impressive.
Despite a season riddled with injuries to key players like Brock Purdy and Brandon Aiyuk, Kubiak helped steer the 49ers to a top-10 finish in total yards per game (351.4) and points per game (25.7). Even more eye-catching: San Francisco ranked top five in passing yards per game (244.5), showcasing Kubiak’s ability to keep the offense humming through adversity.
That kind of resilience - paired with his offensive creativity and the pedigree of having grown up around NFL sidelines - makes him a compelling candidate for a Steelers team that’s long valued stability, toughness, and innovation.
Pittsburgh’s next head coach will be tasked with more than just winning games. They’ll need to re-energize a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016 and develop a young roster that’s still searching for its offensive identity. With Kubiak’s track record of maximizing talent and adapting under pressure, it’s easy to see why the Steelers are taking a close look.
Whether he lands the job or not, one thing is clear: Klay Kubiak is no longer just a coach with a famous last name. He’s a rising figure in the NFL coaching landscape - and Pittsburgh might just be the place where his next chapter begins.