The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially in the market for a new head coach, and all signs point to them sticking with what’s long defined their identity: defense. With Mike Tomlin stepping down after an impressive 18-year run, the franchise is reportedly eyeing a familiar blueprint-one that’s anchored by toughness, discipline, and a defensive mindset.
Their latest interview target? Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. According to multiple reports, the Steelers are set to meet with Hafley on Saturday as part of their head coaching search.
Hafley’s résumé is a bit of a mixed bag, but it tells a story the Steelers might find intriguing. In 2024, his Packers defense was one of the best in the league-finishing fifth in total yards allowed, sixth in points allowed, and fourth in takeaways.
That’s the kind of production that gets you noticed in head coaching circles. However, 2025 was a different story.
The unit slipped to 12th in yards, 11th in points, and a concerning 26th in takeaways. That kind of regression raises fair questions, but the Steelers may see more than just the numbers.
Pittsburgh has always been a franchise that values leadership and stability. Since 1969, they’ve only had three head coaches-Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin.
That kind of continuity is unheard of in today’s NFL, and it speaks volumes about what the organization looks for in its top man. They’re not just hiring a coach-they’re looking for a cornerstone.
Hafley’s head coaching experience comes from his four-year stint at Boston College, where he posted a 22-26 record. Not exactly eye-popping, but it’s worth noting that college coaching records don’t always translate cleanly to the NFL. What matters more is how he connects with players and commands a locker room.
That’s where Hafley seems to shine. He’s earned praise from former players like Ronde Barber, who worked with him during Hafley’s time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Barber described him as a “quiet leader” who communicates clearly and earns the trust of his players. That kind of presence-calm, confident, and consistent-can go a long way in an NFL locker room.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II has made it clear that while the franchise has a type, they’re not married to one mold. Speaking recently, Rooney emphasized the importance of leadership above all else.
“Can I sign up for another Chuck Noll or another Bill Cowher or another Mike Tomlin? Sure,” Rooney said.
“But we’re not going to narrow the box too much… I think there are a lot of things that go into being a successful head coach. Number one, really in my mind, is leadership-really trusting that this person can stand up in front of your team day in and day out.
Hold their attention and have them motivated to do what they do.”
That’s the bar in Pittsburgh. It’s not just about schemes or stats-it’s about commanding the room, earning players’ respect, and setting a tone that lasts.
Jeff Hafley may not be the flashiest name in this year’s coaching cycle, but the Steelers have never been a franchise driven by flash. They’re looking for someone who fits their DNA. And if Hafley can show he’s that guy in the interview room-someone who can lead with clarity, earn trust, and bring the defense back to dominance-he just might be the next man up in one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.