Steelers Launch Ambitious Search For Next Head Coach

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of one of the most significant offseasons in franchise history, embarking on their first head coaching search since 2007. The sudden resignation of Mike Tomlin on January 20, 2026, after nearly two decades at the helm, has sent shockwaves through the NFL and set the stage for a high-stakes decision that will shape the team’s future for years to come. Steelers president Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan are spearheading the search, and by all accounts, they’re casting a wide net—but with a clear sense of urgency and tradition in mind.

For a franchise that’s had only three head coaches since 1969, the Steelers’ approach to this search is rooted in a legacy of stability and a desire for continued competitiveness. As Rooney made clear after Tomlin’s resignation, the organization isn’t eager to enter a rebuilding phase. “We want to remain in contention,” Rooney emphasized, echoing the sentiment of a city and fanbase unaccustomed to losing seasons.

The process has already kicked into high gear, with confirmed interviews and interest in a diverse slate of candidates. Among those drawing the most attention are Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and former Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. Both bring unique pedigrees and connections to the Steelers, but their candidacies raise intriguing questions about the direction the franchise wants to take.

Brian Flores, who served as Miami Dolphins head coach from 2019 to 2021 and has been the Vikings’ defensive coordinator since 2023, is no stranger to Pittsburgh. He spent a season as a senior defensive assistant under Tomlin in 2022 and is widely respected for his defensive acumen and culture-setting leadership. However, Flores’s tenure in Miami ended in controversy, with public disputes and a lawsuit against the Dolphins and the NFL. Still, his impact in Minnesota has been undeniable: under his guidance, the Vikings’ defense improved from 28th in scoring to consistently ranking in the top ten, reaching as high as fifth in 2024.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, “Steelers are interviewing Vikings DC Brian Flores today for their HC job, and former Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy on Wednesday. Minnesota has been pushing to bring back Flores, and if he doesn’t land a head coaching job, would have a good chance at retaining him.” This underscores both Flores’s value on the open market and the competitive nature of the current coaching carousel.

Mike McCarthy, meanwhile, brings a contrasting profile. At 62, the Pittsburgh native boasts a 174-112-2 career record, a .608 winning percentage, and a Super Bowl victory over the Steelers in XLV. His relationship with GM Omar Khan dates back to their shared time with the New Orleans Saints under Mike Ditka, and his offensive pedigree could appeal to a franchise that has long prioritized defense. There’s also the tantalizing subplot of McCarthy’s connection to Aaron Rodgers, fueling speculation that the veteran quarterback could be lured to Pittsburgh for a late-career reunion.

Yet, as one local analyst put it, “Why hire a 62-year-old head coach whose best sell is that he can bring back Aaron Rodgers at 42-years-old? Why hire a defensive re-tread? Mike Tomlin is why.” The shadow of Tomlin’s success—and the organizational fear of starting over—looms large over every decision.

The Steelers’ search isn’t limited to these two high-profile names. The team has confirmed interviews or expressed interest in a host of other candidates, many of whom fit the franchise’s historical preference for young, defensive-minded coaches. Chris Shula, the Los Angeles Rams’ 39-year-old defensive coordinator and grandson of Hall of Famer Don Shula, has emerged as one of the hottest names in the cycle. Shula’s unit has consistently overachieved, and his NFL bloodlines are impossible to ignore. The Steelers were among the first teams to schedule a virtual interview with him, with an in-person meeting set for the week of January 19.

Nate Scheelhaase, just 35, is in his first season as the Rams’ passing game coordinator and represents the latest branch of the Sean McVay coaching tree. With a college quarterbacking background and a reputation for offensive innovation, Scheelhaase could bring a fresh perspective to the Steelers’ sideline. The Browns are reportedly interested as well, setting up a potential battle for his services.

Jesse Minter, the 42-year-old defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, is another candidate drawing significant attention. Minter’s impact on the Chargers’ defense in 2025 was immediate and dramatic, with the unit finishing seventh in total yards allowed and excelling in key metrics such as passing touchdowns allowed and EPA per play. His rapid ascent through the coaching ranks and connections to successful programs at Michigan and Vanderbilt make him a compelling option for a team looking to blend tradition with innovation.

Anthony Weaver, currently the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator, and Ejiro Evero, the Carolina Panthers’ defensive coordinator, round out the list of confirmed interviews. Weaver, 45, has deep AFC North ties and a track record of player development, while Evero’s transformation of the Panthers’ defense in 2025—from last in the league to middle of the pack—has earned him widespread praise. Panthers GM Dan Morgan said, “If you look at EJ, if you’re around him every day—you see the way he works, how smart he is. I believe in his defense, I believe in his philosophy. He’s really good at developing players.”

The Steelers’ methodical approach is evident in their handling of interview logistics. In-person meetings with non-playoff coaches and those without current jobs began immediately, while playoff coaches became available starting January 19, with virtual interviews bridging the gap. The process is expected to take several weeks, reflecting both the gravity of the decision and the desire to leave no stone unturned.

Notably, several prominent names have been ruled out or have accepted other positions, including John Harbaugh (headed to the New York Giants), Kevin Stefanski (hired by the Atlanta Falcons), and Jeff Hafley (joining the Miami Dolphins). This has only intensified the focus on the remaining candidates and heightened the stakes for Rooney and Khan.

For Steelers fans, the search represents both an anxious wait and a rare opportunity. The franchise’s commitment to continuity is legendary, but the NFL’s rapidly evolving landscape demands adaptability and fresh ideas. Will Pittsburgh stick to its traditional blueprint—young, defensive coordinators with upside—or break the mold with a veteran like McCarthy or an offensive innovator like Scheelhaase?

As the interviews progress and the candidate pool narrows, all eyes remain on the Steelers’ front office. The decision they make in the coming weeks will not only define the next era of Pittsburgh football but will also signal whether the franchise is ready to embrace change or determined to double down on the formula that has brought decades of success. For now, the search continues—and the city waits with bated breath.