Mike McCarthy hasn’t wasted any time making waves in Pittsburgh. Just days after being named the Steelers’ new head coach, he’s already zeroing in on a crucial hire - and it might involve poaching a rising offensive mind from a division rival’s radar.
The name to watch? Nate Scheelhaase, currently the passing game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. He’s already set for a second interview with the Cleveland Browns on Monday, but Pittsburgh has emerged as a serious contender to bring him aboard - this time, as their offensive coordinator.
Arthur Smith’s sudden departure from the Steelers to take the OC job at Ohio State left a vacancy McCarthy needs to fill fast. And Scheelhaase, who’s been on Pittsburgh’s radar since their head coaching search, is now firmly in the mix. While there’s no known direct connection between McCarthy and Scheelhaase, the Steelers’ prior interest speaks volumes.
Scheelhaase has quietly built a strong résumé under Sean McVay in L.A., working closely with the Rams’ wide receivers and overseeing a passing attack that’s been both creative and productive. Just look at what Puka Nacua did this season - 129 catches, 1,715 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
That kind of breakout doesn’t happen by accident. Scheelhaase has shown he can develop talent and scheme receivers open, which is exactly what Pittsburgh’s offense has been lacking.
This would be Scheelhaase’s first coordinator role, but it’s not hard to see why he’s getting looks. He’s already interviewed with the Ravens, Raiders, Browns, and Steelers. Baltimore and Pittsburgh have filled their head coaching vacancies, but Cleveland remains in the hunt, and now it looks like the AFC North could be the battleground for Scheelhaase’s next move.
The Browns are still searching for Kevin Stefanski’s replacement after parting ways following six seasons. But their search has hit a few snags, with Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter reportedly withdrawing from consideration. That’s opened the door for Scheelhaase to rise up the list - and for the Steelers to potentially swoop in and make a decisive hire.
For McCarthy, this isn’t just about filling a staff spot. It’s about setting the tone.
The Steelers were embarrassed in the Wild Card round, falling 30-6 to Houston in a game where the offense managed just two field goals. That kind of performance isn’t going to cut it in Pittsburgh - not with ownership making it clear that they expect to contend now, not later.
Art Rooney II’s message was direct: no rebuilding, no waiting around. The Steelers want to win, and they want to win immediately.
That’s likely why McCarthy, a Super Bowl-winning coach with a proven track record, got the nod. And it’s why the offensive coordinator hire is so pivotal.
Whoever steps into that role will be tasked with reviving a unit that struggled to find rhythm and consistency all season long.
Scheelhaase might not be a household name - yet - but his work under McVay, especially with young receivers, makes him an intriguing fit for a Steelers team looking to inject life into its passing game. If McCarthy believes Scheelhaase is the right guy to engineer that turnaround, don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh moves quickly to lock him in before Cleveland can make their pitch.
The AFC North is already one of the league’s most competitive divisions. Now, it looks like the coaching carousel is adding another layer to the rivalry.