News broke earlier today that Mike Tomlin will not return as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. After 19 seasons on the sidelines in Pittsburgh, the Tomlin era has officially come to an end. The franchise will now begin a search for just their fourth head coach in the modern NFL era.
There is no question that the head coaching job in Pittsburgh will be viewed as a top landing spot for potential candidates.
“This is an all-hands-on-deck, drop-everything job for any and all candidates. The Steelers have had three head coaches since 1969, uncanny stability for the modern era,” wrote ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler. “The championship tradition, coupled with the chance for real tenure, will make Pittsburgh’s the best job available. The Steelers will prioritize leadership, most likely, and as they did with Tomlin, they could identify a rising star in the business.”
Fowler has already identified potential candidates to fill the newly opened position.
“Several defensive coordinators — the Los Angeles Rams’ Chris Shula, the Green Bay Packers’ Jeff Hafley and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Jesse Minter — seem to fit that mold. Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman has rebuffed NFL intrigue but could revisit that for a job like this. The Steelers would be smart to modernize the offense, looking hard at that side of the ball, so several young offensive playcallers could come into play,” wrote Fowler.
GettyRams DC Chris Shula.
More on the Candidates
Shula is in his second season as the Rams’ defensive coordinator, where he has established himself as a strong defensive mind and emerging head coaching candidate.
“The grandson of legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula, Chris Shula is in his ninth season on Sean McVay’s Rams coaching staff. He won a Super Bowl in 2021 as the team’s linebackers coach and is currently in his second season as defensive coordinator,” wrote Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports.
Hafley is coming off his second year as the Packers’ defensive coordinator, where he has been impressive, and he also brings prior experience as a head coach at the college level.
“The 46-year-old has a diverse coaching background that includes time at the college and pro levels. He has some familiarity with the city after serving as a defensive assistant at the University of Pittsburgh from 2006-10,” wrote DeArdo.
Minter is a seasoned, defensive-minded coach who has excelled this season in his second year as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator. He also brings championship pedigree, having won a national title as Michigan’s defensive coordinator in 2023.
“Minter followed Jim Harbaugh from Michigan to Los Angeles ahead of the 2024 season. The Chargers allowed the fewest points in the NFL and were ninth in points allowed this season,” wrote DeArdo.
Freeman, arguably the most well-known of the four, has been the head coach at Notre Dame for four seasons, quickly climbing the ranks in the coaching world.
“While he has never coached in the NFL, Freeman has enjoyed considerable success since becoming Notre Dame’s coach in 2021. Over that span, he has led the Fighting Irish to a 43-12 record that includes three bowl wins and an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship in January 2025,” wrote DeArdo.
GettyNotre Dame HC Marcus Freeman.
Why Freeman Might Consider the Steelers Job
Out of the four candidates named, some around the football world may consider Freeman a pipe dream, as many expect him to remain in college football. However, the possibility of him seriously considering the Steelers’ head coaching job may be more realistic than people think.
Rarely does a historic franchise like the Steelers, known for a string of successful head coaches, have a head coaching job open.
The opportunity to lead one of the most storied franchises in football might simply be too good to pass up, if the Steelers do indeed have interest.
GettyThe Steelers will look for a new head coach for the first time since 2007.
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