{"id":88579,"date":"2026-01-16T14:50:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T14:50:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/88579\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T14:50:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T14:50:23","slug":"pittsburgh-steelers-head-coaching-search-big-board","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/88579\/","title":{"rendered":"Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coaching Search Big Board"},"content":{"rendered":"

Steelers News<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"PittsburghAcrisure Stadium before a Wild Card playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans on Jan. 12, 2026. — Ed Thompson \/ Steelers Now\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for a head coach for the first time since 2007 and just the fourth time since 1969, as head coach Mike Tomlin resigned on Tuesday, <\/p>\n

Steelers president Art Rooney II will lead the search, along with assistance from general manager Omar Khan, and they expect the process to take several weeks. The Steelers can start in-person interviews right away with coaches from non-playoff teams, while they\u2019ll have to wait until Jan. 19, for playoff coaches that don\u2019t make the conference championship game, and until the week before the Super Bowl for those that do.<\/p>\n

Rooney said the Steelers will not be constrained in what type of coach they interview, but the last three coaches they\u2019ve hired \u2014 two Hall of Famers and one sure to join the others \u2014 were all 30-something, first-time NFL head coaches who were most recently NFL defensive coordinators. That\u2019s a pretty strong type, and it happens to be a fairly deep pool of candidates that are similar to the coaches the Steelers have hired in the past.<\/p>\n

STEELERS HEAD COACH CANDIDATES INTERVIEWED \/ CONFIRMED INTEREST<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula<\/a> (virtual interview Jan. 16<\/a>)
\u2022 Los Angeles Rams Passing Game Coordinator Nate Scheelhaase<\/a> (virtual interview Jan. 16<\/a>)
\u2022 Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter<\/a> (virtual interview Jan. 17<\/a>)
\u2022\u00a0Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores<\/a>
\u2022 Miami Dolphins Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver<\/a>
\u2022 Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley<\/a> (virtual interview Jan. 16<\/a>)
\u2022 San Francisco 49ers Offensive Coordinator Klay Kubiak<\/a><\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghLos Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi\u2019s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on November 9, 2025. Mandatory Credit: \u2014 Kyle Terada\/Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Steelers love their NFL bloodlines, though as far as I can tell, they\u2019ve never hired a second-generation head coach. Chris Shula will be the third of his family to take the job if he lands a role. The grandson of Hall of Famer Don Shula, Chris\u2019 father Dave Shula also coached for the Cincinnati Bengals.<\/p>\n

Shula has quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after candidates in this hiring cycle. Now in his second season as the Rams\u2019 defensive coordinator, he has overseen a unit that has consistently overachieved relative to personnel, blending discipline with creative pressure packages. <\/p>\n

Shula, 39, just finished his second season a the Rams defensive coordinator. He won Super Bowl LVI there as a linebackers coach and has been with L.A. since 2017. Before that, he coach with the Chargers, and at John Carroll, Indiana and Ball State at the collegiate level.<\/p>\n

Latest: Virtual interview scheduled for Friday, Jan. 16<\/a>. Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 14.<\/a>
Resume: 2024-25 Rams defensive coordinator; 2017-23 Rams pass rush coordinator, linebackers coach assistant; 2015-16 Chargers assistant; 2014 John Carroll defensive coordinator; 2011-13 Indiana assistant; 2010 Ball State assistant
Other interviews: Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams Passing Game Coordinator Nate Scheelhaase<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghLos Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Dec 7, 2025. \u2014 Mark J. Rebilas \/ Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Nate Scheelhaase is the latest offensive coach to come out of the well-worn Sean McVay coaching tree, including current NFL head coaches Zac Taylor, Matt LaFleur, Kevin O\u2019Connell and Liam Coen.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Scheelhaase, 35, is in his first season as the Rams\u2019 passing game coordinator. Before that, he spent one season as an offensive assistant in LA.<\/p>\n

A Davenport, Iowa native, Scheelhaase was a college quarterback at Illinois, throwing for over 8,000 yards in his time with the Fighting Illini from 2009-13, and was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in his senior year. He holds the Illinois records for career passing yards and season completion percentage.<\/p>\n

Latest: Virtual interview scheduled for Friday, Jan. 16<\/a>. Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 14.<\/a>
Resume: 2024-25 Rams assistant, passing game coordinator; 2018-23 Iowa State running backs coach, wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator; 2015-17 Illinois assistant, running backs coach.
Other interviews: Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, several offensive coordinator positions<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghLos Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter watches during organized team activities at The Bolt in El Segundo, California on Jun 16, 2025. \u2014 Kirby Lee\/Imagn Images<\/p>\n

There isn\u2019t a candidate more like Bill Cowher in this pool than Minter. Cowher was an up-and-coming young coach with the Cleveland Browns, was a part of some Cleveland teams than tortured the Steelers, and then left to take a promotion with the Kansas City Chiefs before the Steelers hired him.<\/p>\n

Minter was an assistant coach with the Ravens from 2017-20 before going to the college ranks to become defensive coordinator at Michigan. He followed Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers last year and is already considered to be one of the top coaching candidates for the Ravens job.<\/p>\n

Minter, 42, is a rising candidate in this year\u2019s coaching carousel. The Chargers defense significantly improved in the 2025 season under Minter, ranking seventh in total yards allowed and near the top in key metrics like passing touchdowns allowed (5th) and EPA per play (7th).<\/p>\n

Latest: Virtual interview scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17.<\/a> Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 14<\/a>
Resume: 2024-25 Chargers defensive coordinator; 2022-23 Michigan defensive coordinator; 2021 Vanderbilt defensive coordinator; 2017-20 Ravens assistant, defensive backs coach; 2013-16 Georgia State defensive coordinator; 2009-12 Indiana State linebackers coach, defensive coordinator; 2007-18 Cincinnati assistant; 2006 Notre Dame assistant
Other Interviews: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores<\/p>\n

\"BrianPittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant Brian Flores at OTAs on May 26, 2022. \u2014 Ed Thompson \/ Steelers Now<\/p>\n

Brian Flores has head coaching experience, spending three seasons at the helm of the Miami Dolphins. Things did not go well. Flores was fired, his quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, was openly critical of his coaching techniques. Then, Flores sued the Dolphins and the NFL, alleging among other things that Miami owner Stephen Ross pressured him to lose on purpose. It looked like Flores would never coach in the NFL again.<\/p>\n

But Mike Tomlin and the Steelers threw him a life preserver, hiring him as senior defesnive assistant in 2022. While Flores spent just one season in Pittsburgh, he was very well liked in the building, and likely would have stayed if not for getting an opportunity to be a defensive coordinator again in Minnesota.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Flores, 44, has spent the last three seasons as the\u00a0defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings<\/a>. \u00a0In 2022, the Vikings finished 28th in scoring defense under Ed Donatell. That shot up to 13th in Flores\u2019 first year in 2023, fifth last year and seventh the year before.<\/p>\n

Latest: Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 14.<\/a>
Resume: 2023-25 Vikings defensive coordinator, 2022 Steelers senior defensive assistant, 2019-21 Dolphins head coach, 2008-18 Patriots assistant, safeties coach, linebackers coach
Other interviews: Baltimore Ravens<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver<\/p>\n

\"NFL:Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct 12, 2025. Rich Storry \/ Imagn ImagesCredit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Weaver, 45 was a second-pick of the Baltimore Ravens out of Notre Dame in 2002, playing seven NFL seasons before picking up the headset.\u00a0He is very familiar with the AFC North, coaching with the Cleveland Browns before re-joining the Ravens for a three-year stint as defensive line coach and assistant head coach, where he was a big part of the development of defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike.<\/p>\n

He joined Mike McDaniel\u2019s staff as the Dolphins defensive coordinator in 2024, and their points allowed went from 22nd to 10th in his first year, before sliding back down to 25th in 2025. Weaver\u2019s Miami future is uncertain after McDaniel\u2019s firing.<\/p>\n

Latest: Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 14.
Resume: 2024-25 Dolphins defensive coordinator; 2021-23 Ravens defensive line coach, assistant head coach; 2016-20 Texans defensive line coach, defensive coordinator; 2014-15 Browns defensive line coach; 2013 Bills defensive line coach; 2012 Jets assistant; 2011 North Texas linebackers coach; 2010 Florida assistant
Other Interviews: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens<\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero<\/p>\n

\"NFL:Ejiro Evero when he was the Los Angeles Rams safeties coach during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 23, 2019. Mark J. Rebilas \/ Imagn ImagesCredit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Evero, 45, has been the Panthers\u2019 DC since 2023. Before joining Carolina, he was the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator for one season in 2022. Prior to that, he spent five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, serving as their safeties coach from 2017-2020 and secondary coach\/ passing game coordinator in 2021. Evero was a part of the Rams\u2019 Super Bowl-winning team in 2021.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Evero just recently received an extension from the Panthers. Carolina\u2019s defense took massive steps forward in 2025. The unit allowed 327.2 total yards (16th) and 22.4 points (15th) per game in 2025, a drastic change from the 404.5 yards (32nd) and 31.4 points (32nd) they gave up in 2024.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you look at EJ, if you\u2019re around him every day\u2014you see the way he works, how smart he is,\u201d Panthers general manager\u00a0Dan Morgan said<\/a>. \u201cI believe in his defense, I believe in his philosophy. He\u2019s really good at developing players.<\/p>\n

Latest: Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 15.<\/a>
Resume: 2023-25 Panthers defensive coordinator; 2022 Broncos defensive coordinator; 2017-21 Rams safeties coach, pass game coordinator; 2016 Packers assistant, 2011-15 49ers assistant; 2010 Redlands special teams coordinator, 2007-09 Buccaneers assistant; 2005-16 UC Davis assistant
Other Interviews: Atlanta Falcons<\/p>\n

Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley<\/p>\n

\"Syndication:Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, left, talks with head coach Matt LaFleur before their game against the Houston Texans on Oct. 20, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. \u2014 Mark Hoffman \/ Imagn ImagesCredit: Mark Hoffman\/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Jeff Hafley was the head coach at Boston College for four seasons (2020-23), leading the Eagles to bowl eligibility in three of the four years, before returning to the NFL, where he has been the Packers\u2019 defensive coordinator for the last two seasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Packers had the No. 6 scoring defense in the NFL in his first season in 2024, and they were still 11th in 2025, despite losing star edge rusher Micah Parsons to a season-ending injury.<\/p>\n

Latest: Virtual interview scheduled for Jan. 16<\/a>. Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 15.<\/a>
Resume: 2024-25 Packers defensive coordinator; 2020-23 Boston College head coach; 2019 Ohio State defensive coordinator; 2016-18 49er defensive backs coach; 2014-15 Brows defensive backs coach; 2012-13 Buccaneers assistant, defensive backs coach; 2011 Rutgers defensive backs coach; 2006-11 Pitt assistant, defensive backs coach; 2002-25 Albany assistant, defensive backs coach; 2001 WPI running backs coach
Other Interviews: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans<\/p>\n

San Francisco 49ers Offensive Coordinator Klay Kubiak<\/p>\n

\"\"San Francisco 49ers Offensive Coordinator Klay Kubiak looks on during a NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 28, 2025 at Levi\u2019s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. \u2014 Matthew Huang\/Icon Sportswire<\/p>\n

Klay Kubiak is in his fifth season on Kyle Shanahan\u2019s 49ers staff and his first as the team\u2019s offensive coordinator. He was the Niners\u2019 offensive passing game specialist last season and served as the team\u2019s assistant quarterbacks coach in 2022 and 2023. Before that, he was a defensive quality control coach in 2021.<\/p>\n

Kubiak is the son of longtime NFL coach Gary Kubiak. His brother, Klint, is the Seattle Seahawks\u2019 offensive coordinator.<\/p>\n

Latest: The Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 15.<\/a>
Resume: 2025 49ers defensive coordinator, 2024 49ers passing game coordinator, 2022-23 49ers assistant quarterbacks coach, 2021 49ers qualtiy control
Other Interviews: none<\/p>\n

OTHER POTENTIAL STEELERS HEAD COACH CANDIDATES<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Houston Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke
<\/a>\u2022\u00a0Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti<\/a>
\u2022 Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph
<\/a>\u2022\u00a0Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak<\/a>
\u2022 Oregon head coach Dan Lanning<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Former Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Former Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Chicago Bears assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz<\/a>
\u2022 Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski
<\/a>\u2022\u00a0Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski<\/p>\n

Houston Texans Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghHouston Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke in a 2024 AFC wild card game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Jan 13, 2024. \u2014 Troy Taormina\/Imagn ImagesCredit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Something that the Steelers always seem to prioritize when it comes to adding players is what those players have done against them. Kenneth Gainwell is a perfect example of that. He became the team MVP in 2025 after torching the Steelers as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.<\/p>\n

Matt Burke\u2019s defense just eviscerated the Pittsburgh Steelers. Houston allowed just six points to the Steelers in the Wild Card round after having one of the best defenses in the league all regular season. He has also been in consideration for other head coaching jobs.<\/p>\n

Burke, 49, was also with the Philadelphia Eagles when Andy Weidl was the assistant general manager there.<\/p>\n

Latest: The Houston Texans will play the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Resume: 2023-25 Texans defensive coordinator; 2022 Cardinals defensive line coach; 2021 Jets game management coach; 2019-20 Eagles defensive line coach, run game coordinator, special assistant; 2016-18 Dolphins linebackers coach, defensive coordinator; 2014-15 Bengals linebackers coach; 2009-13 Lions linebackers coach; 2004-08 Titans assistant; 2003 Harvard assistant, 2000-02 Boston College assistant
Other Interviews: Arizona Cardinals<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghJacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile stands on the field during pregame warmups against the New York Jets at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on Dec 14, 2025. \u2014 Travis Register \/ Imagn Images<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve probably never heard of Anthony Campanile. You had probably never heard of Mike Tomlin before the Steelers hired him in 2007, either. Campanile, 43, was a part of Flores\u2019 staff with the Dolphins, serving as linebackers coach. In 2024, he jumped to the Packers, adding run game coordinator to his title, before becoming the defensive coordinator with the Jaguars this season.<\/p>\n

Working for an offensive head coach in Liam Coen, Campanile took the Jaguars from 27th to eight in points against. The team spent big money to bring in one player on defense: cornerback Jourdan Lewis, and the highest draft pick to contribute extensively on defense was their fourth-rounder.<\/p>\n

Latest: The Jaguars season ended in a Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Resume: 2025 Jaguars defensive coordinator; 2024 Packers linebacker coach, run-game coordinator; 2020-23 Dolphins linebackers coach; 2019 Michigan linebackers coach; 2016-18 Boston College defense backs coach, defensive coordinator; 2015 Rutgers wide receivers coach; 2012-14 Rutgers assistant, tight ends coach
Other Interviews: Miami Dolphins<\/p>\n

Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghIndiana head coach Curt Cignetti during a game against Penn State on Nov, 8, 2025. \u2014 Matthew Lynch \/ Nittany Sports Now<\/p>\n

This is a list that is mostly young, defensive-minded coaches with NFL experience. Curt Cignetti is 64, he was a quarterback, and has never coached in the NFL.<\/p>\n

So why is he here? Just doing the best job of coach on about any team in any sport at any level over the last two years. Cignetti has Indiana in the College Football Playoff national championship.\u00a0Indiana.\u00a0He\u2019s from Pittsburgh, played at West Virginia, and coached at Pitt and IUP. He walks and talks like a Yinzer.<\/p>\n

Latest: The Hoosiers will face Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19.
Resume: 2024-25 Indiana head coach; 2019-23 James Madison head coach; 2017-18 Elon head coach; 2011-16 IUP head coach; 2007-10 Alabama wide receivers coach; 2000-06 NC State quarterbacks coach, tight ends coach; 1993-99 Pitt quarterbacks coach, tight ends coach; 1989-92 Temple quarterbacks coach; 1986-88 Rice quarterbacks coach; 1985 Davidson quarterbacks coach; 1983-84 Pitt assistant.
Other Interviews: None<\/p>\n

Denver Broncos Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph<\/p>\n

\"\"Select members of the Coloado National Guard attended the Denver Broncos 2018 Minicamp Luncheon June 12 at UCHealth Training Center in Englewood, Colorado. The service members were treated to a VIP experience that included a catered lunch, access to watch a practice session and a meet-and-greet with Broncos players and coaches. (National Guard Photo by Army Sgt. Zach Sheely\/Released)<\/p>\n

The Broncos are the No. 1 seed in the AFC, mostly thanks to Joseph\u2019s defense, and it could be time for Joseph to get another shot at a head coaching job. The 53-year-old went 11-21 as the head coach of the Broncos from 2017-18, but Denver thought enough of him to bring him back as defensive coordinator in 2023, following a three-year stint in the same role with the Miami Dolphins.<\/p>\n

The Broncos are the No. 1 seed in the AFC, mostly thanks to Joseph\u2019s defense, and it could be time for Joseph to get another shot at a head coaching job. The 53-year-old went 11-21 as the head coach of the Broncos from 2017-18, but Denver thought enough of him to bring him back as defensive coordinator in 2023, following a three-year stint in the same role with the Miami Dolphins.<\/p>\n

Latest: The Broncos will host the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round this Saturday.
Resume: 2023-25 Broncos defensive coordinator, 2019-22 Cardinals defensive coordinator, 2017-18 Broncos head coach, 2016 Dolphins defensive coordinator, 2014-16 Bengals defensive backs coach, 2011-13 Texans defensive backs coach, 2005-10 49ers defensive backs coach, 2004 Bowling Green defensive backs coach, 1999-2003 Colorado assistant, defensive backs coach
Other Interviews: Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans<\/p>\n

Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghSan Francisco 49ers offensive passing game specialist Klint Kubiak looks on prior to the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo\/Chris Szagola)<\/p>\n

The hottest name of the coaching cycle, Kubiak has already done some interviews this week as the red-hot Seattle Seahawks enjoyed their bye. It feels like that head start could be something that could be tough to overcome, and I\u2019m not sure the offensive-minded Kubiak would be at the top of the Steelers\u2019 list anyway, even though he\u2019s been a popular candidate elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Like Shula, he is also the scion of an NFL coaching family, with his father Gary Kubiak coaching the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos and also spending one year as the offensive coordinator of the Ravens.<\/p>\n

Latest: The Seahawks will host the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round this weekend.
Resume: 2025 Seahawks offensive coordinator; 2024 Saints offensive coordinator; 2023 49ers passing game coordinator; 2022 Broncos passing game coordinator; 2019-21 Vikings quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator; 2016-19 Broncos assistant; 2015 Kansas wide receivers coach; 2013-14 Vikings assistant; 2010-12 Texas A&M assistant
Other Interviews: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants<\/p>\n

Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghOregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning during a game against Penn State on Sept. 27, 2025. \u2014 Matthew Lynch \/ Nittany Sports Now<\/p>\n

A disciple of Nick Saban at Alabama and Kirby Smart at Georgia, Dan Lanning brought a lot of the best parts of those coaches, especially on defense, to the Pacific Northwest when he took the Oregon job in 2022.<\/p>\n

He uses a lot of Saban\u2019s formational tendencies that have been widely copied by NFL coaches, meaning his scheme should be a solid fit in the pro game, with the Steelers specifically liking how Derrick Harmon was able to transition from Oregon\u2019s defense to the Steelers\u2019. Lanning at least knows the lay of the land in Pittsburgh. His first collegiate coaching gig was as a GA at Pitt in 2011.<\/p>\n

Latest: Oregon\u2019s season ended in the College Football Playoff.
Resume: 2022-25 Oregon head coach; 2019-21 Georgia outside linebackers coach, defensive coordinator; 2016-17 Memphis inside linebackers coach; 2015 Alabama assistant; 2014 San Houston State defensive backs coach; 2012-13 Arizona State assistant, 2011 Pitt assistant
Other Interviews: None<\/p>\n

Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur<\/p>\n

\"\"Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. \u2014 Schik8337 \/ CC<\/p>\n

To some extent, Matt LaFleur is feeling the same pressure as now-former Pittsburgh\u00a0Steelers<\/a>\u00a0head coach Mike Tomlin felt. The Green Bay Packers\u2019 frustration is building after three consecutive\u00a0playoff losses<\/a>, prompting Pro Football Talk\u2019s Mike Florio not to rule out LaFleur as a possibility<\/a> to take over Tomlin\u2019s vacated spot.<\/p>\n

LaFleur has guided the Packers to the postseason in six of his seven seasons at the helm. He owns a 3-6 record and hasn\u2019t made it past the divisional round since 2020. He\u2019s posted a 76-40-1 regular-season mark since taking over in 2019, but his team imploded after starting 9-3-1 this campaign.<\/p>\n

Latest: Matt LaFleur is entering the final season of his contract<\/a> and is in the midst of looking for an extension from the Packers, who have been unwilling to commit to him long-term to this point.
Resume: 2019-25 Packers head coach, 2018 Titans offensive coordinator, 2017 Rams offensive coordinator, 2015-15 Falcons quarterbacks coach, 2014 Notre Dame quarterbacks coach, 2010-13 Redskins quarterbacks coach, 2008-09 Texans assistant, 2007 Ashland offensive coordinator, 2006 Northern Michigan quarterbacks coach, 2004-05 Central Michigan assistant, 2003 Saginaw Valley State assistant
Other Interviews: none<\/p>\n

Former Philadelphia Eagles & Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghJacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson on Oct. 29, 2023. \u2014 Ed Thompson \/ Steelers Now<\/p>\n

Pederson, 57, won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. A former quarterback, he has a reputation of being a quarterback-friendly offensive playcaller, but did not have success leading Trevor Lawrence during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars.<\/p>\n

Pederson has a connection to Andy Weidl through his time with the Eagles. This is a list that is going to skew young and defensive, and so it makes some sense for the team to try to interview at least one candidate that bucks those trends. <\/p>\n

Latest: Pederson is coaching at the Polynesian Bowl on Jan. 16.
Resume: 2022-24 Jaguars head coach, 2016-20 Eagles head coach, 2013-15 Chiefs offensive coordinator, 2009-12 Eagles assistant, quarterbacks coach.
Other Interviews: none<\/p>\n

Former Dallas Cowboys & Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghPittsburgh Steelers head Coach Mike Tomlin and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy after a game on Oct. 6, 2024. \u2014 Ed Thompson \/ Steelers Now<\/p>\n

So you want to keep Aaron Rodgers as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, even though the big reason he joined the club is leaving? Here\u2019s a way to keep him. Hire his old head coach, Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy, who has had a lot of success at two different stops as head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys.<\/p>\n

McCarthy has a 174-112-2 career record, .608 winning percentage, and beat Tomlin\u2019 Steelers to win Super Bowl XLV.<\/p>\n

McCarthy wouldn\u2019t fit any of the Steelers\u2019 usual paradigms, but it wouldn\u2019t be a shock for him to get an interview, and he has a tangential connection to Omar Khan, as they were both with the New Orleans Saints under Mike Ditka.<\/p>\n

Latest: McCarthy did not get the New York Giants job, which will go to John Harbaugh.<\/a>
Resume: 2020-24 Cowboys head coach; 2006-18 Packers head coach; 2005 49ers offensive coordinator; 2000-04 Saints offensive coordinator; 1999 Packers quarterbacks coach; 1993-98 Chiefs assistant, quarterbacks coach; 1989-92 Pitt assistant, wide receivers coach; 1987-88 Fort Hays State assistant.
Other Interviews: New York Giants, Tennessee Titans<\/p>\n

Chicago Bears Assistant Head Coach Antwaan Randle El<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghFormer Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and current Chicago Bears coach Antwaan Randle El talks with wide receiver Emeka Egbuka at Ohio State pro day on March 26, 2025. \u2014 Ed Thompson \/ Steelers Now<\/p>\n

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antwaan Randle El has been tutoring under one of the hottest coaches in the NFL, and might finally get his shot to take a step forward this offseason.<\/p>\n

Randle El is currently the wide receivers coach and assistant head coach under Chicago Bears rookie head coach Ben Johnson. He had previously served as Johnson\u2019s wide receivers coach with the Detroit Lions, establishing himself as the top protege to one of the top young head coaches in the NFL.<\/p>\n

Latest: The Bears will host the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the NFL playoffs on Sunday.
Resume: 2025 Bears assistant head coach, wide receivers coach; 2021-24 Lions wide receivers coach; 2019-20 Buccaneers assistant
Other Interviews: None<\/p>\n

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh<\/p>\n

\"SteelersNew York Jets head coach Robert Saleh watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo\/Lynne Sladky)<\/p>\n

Saleh, 46, had a four-year stint as head coach of the New York Jets that did not go very well, as he finished with a 20-36 record. We\u2019ve learned that failure with the Jets doesn\u2019t necessarily portend failure elsewhere, and Saleh has done a nice job this season as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers.<\/p>\n

His unit has been absolutely crippled by injuries, but ended up finishing 13th in points against, and they\u2019re playing their best ball at the end of the season, allowing 13 points to the Seattle Seahawks in the final week of the regular season and 19 to the Philadelphia Eagles in a Wild Card win.<\/p>\n

Latest: The 49ers will visit the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday.
Resume: 2025 49ers defensive coordinator, 2024 Packers offensive consultant, 2021-24 Jets head coach, 2017-20 49ers defensive coordinator, 2014-16 Jaguars linebackers coach, 2011-13 Seahawks assistant, 2005-10 Texans assistant, 2005 Georgia assistant, 2004 Central Michigan assistant, 2002-03 Michigan State assistant.
Other Interviews: Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans<\/p>\n

Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghCleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz watches the team warm up before an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Nov. 16, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. \u2014 Jeff Lange \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Jim Schwartz is 59 years old, and he might never get another shot at being a head coach, but it\u2019s hard to say he doesn\u2019t deserve one, based on the play of his defense. Schwartz led the Detroit Lions to a 29-51 record from 2009-13, one in a long line of failures for one of the league\u2019s most notoriously moribund franchises before Dan Campbell came along.<\/p>\n

Since then, he\u2019s again been a stellar defensive coordinator, winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. Over the last three years, he\u2019s turned the Browns into one of the NFL\u2019s premiere defense and has turned Myles Garrett from an advanced stats darling without the production to match to the bona fide best defensive player n the league. <\/p>\n

Latest: Schwartz and the rest of the Cleveland coaching staff are in a holding pattern while the Browns hire a replacement for Kevin Stefanski. Schwartz himself has interviewed for the job.
Resume: 2023-25 Browns defensive coordinator; 2021-22 Titans senior defensive assistant; 2016-20 Eagles defensive coordinator; 2014 Bills defensive coordinator; 2009-13 Lions head coach; 1999-2008 Titans assistant, linebackers coach, defensive coordinator; 1996-98 Ravens outside linebackers coach; 1993-95 Browns scout; 1992 Colgate linebackers coach; 1991 NC Central secondary coach; 1990 Minnesota assistant\u2019; 1989 Maryland assistant
Other Interviews: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns<\/p>\n

Former Cleveland Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski <\/p>\n

\"PittsburghCleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 28, 2025. \u2014 Ed Thompson \/ Steelers Now<\/p>\n

A two-time NFL Coach of the Year, Kevin Stefanski did a lot with a little in Cleveland, and it sure seems that his departure was mostly about chafing with ownership\u2019s meddling than it was anything else. It never seemed that Stefanski and owner Jimmy Haslam were aligned when it came to the quarterback position, in particular.<\/p>\n

The management of that position was a disaster for Cleveland in 2025, with Dillon Gabriel drafted ahead of Shedeur Sanders, only to pay far worse, and Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco and Tyler Huntley all playing better than both of them for other teams after being jettisoned by the Browns.<\/p>\n

But there\u2019s no question Stefanski can coach, and a more-stable ownership situation like the Steelers\u2019 could be the ticket for him to reviving his career.<\/p>\n

Latest: Steelers legend Jerome Bettis endorsed Stefanski as the team\u2019s next head coach.<\/a>
Resume: 2020-25 Browns head coach; 2006-19 Vikings assistant, tight ends coach, running backs coach, quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator; 2005 Penn assistant
Other Interviews: Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans<\/p>\n

Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Coordinator Grant Udinski<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghJaguars Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski talks with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the Jaguars 14th NFL training camp session at Miller Electric Center Tuesday August 12, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. \u2014 Doug Engle\/Florida Times-Union<\/p>\n

Latest: Udinski is a dark horse candidate that seems to be gaining steam for the Cleveland Browns job.<\/a>
Resume: 2025 Jaguars defensive coordinator; 2022-24 Vikings assistant; 2020-21 Panthers assistant; 2019 Baylor assistant
Other Interviews: Cleveland Browns<\/p>\n

POTENTIAL STEELERS HEAD COACH CANDIDATES RULED OUT<\/p>\n

\u2022 Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith<\/a>
\u2022 Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh<\/a>
\u2022 Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman<\/a><\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghPittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith before a game against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15, 2025. \u2014 Ed Thompson \/ Steelers Now<\/p>\n

Latest: The Steelers have cut loose Arthur Smith and the rest of their coaching staff, allowing them to freely interview for other jobs.<\/a>
Resume: 2024-25 Steelers offensive coordinator; 2021-23 Falcons head coach; 2011-20 Titans assistant, offensive line coach, tight ends coach, offensive coordinator; 2010 Ole Miss assistant; 2007-08 Redskins assistant; 2006 North Carolina assistant
Other Interviews: Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans<\/p>\n

Former Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh <\/p>\n

\"PittsburghBaltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 7, 2026. \u2014 Ed Thompson \/ Steelers Now<\/p>\n

John Harbaugh was the coach of the Ravens for 18 seasons, compiling a 180-113 record and winning Super Bowl XLVII and the 2019 NFL Coach of the Year Award.\u00a0Harbaugh and the Ravens parted ways on Jan. 6, just days after the Ravens lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a\u00a0winner-take-all game for the AFC North title<\/a>, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after coaches in the NFL coaching carousel. He was let go by the team amid reported tensions between him and star quarterback Lamar Jackson, and a struggle of a season for the Ravens, who finished 8-9.<\/p>\n

Latest: Harbaugh is nearing a deal to become the next New York Giants head coach, ESPN reported on Jan. 15.<\/a>
Resume: 2008-25 Ravens head coach; 1998-07 Eagles special teams coordinator, defensive backs coach; 1997 Indiana special teams coordinator; 1989-96 Cincinnati special teams coordinator; 1998 Morehead State special teams coach, secondary coach; 1987 Pitt tight ends coach; 1984-86 Western Michigan running backs coach, outside linebackers coach
Other Interviews: Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans<\/p>\n

Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman<\/p>\n

\"PittsburghNotre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman after winning the Orange Bowl over Penn State on Jan. 9, 2025. \u2014 Matthew Lynch \/ Nittany Sports Now<\/p>\n

The 40-year-old Ohio State alum has a 38-10 record at Notre Dame since 2021, winning coach of the year honors in 2024 whole taking the Irish to the College Football Playoff national championship game.<\/p>\n

Freeman is known in coaching circles as an outstanding motivator, and he would bring some of the same things that Tomlin brought to the table. It\u2019s less clear if his defensive scheme would be a fit at the NFL level.<\/p>\n

Latest: Freeman will remain at Notre Dame, despite NFL interest, ESPN reported on Jan. 14.<\/a>
Resume: 2021-25 Notre Dame defensive coordinator, head coach; 2017-20 Cincinnati defensive coordinator; 2013-16 Purdue linebackers coach, defensive coordinator; 2011-12 Kent State linebacker coach; 2010 Ohio State assistant
Other Interviews: None<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned In This Article: Anthony Weaver<\/a> Brian Flores<\/a> Chris Shula<\/a> Ejiro Evero<\/a> Jeff Hafley<\/a> Jesse Minter<\/a> Klay Kubiak<\/a> Mike Tomlin<\/a> Nate Scheelhaase<\/a> Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> Steelers<\/a> Steelers Coaching Search<\/a> top<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Steelers News Acrisure Stadium before a Wild Card playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans on…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":88580,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[43987,43160,43161,43988,43165,43166,43989,7405,43169,73,75,74,1833,1829,43990,17531],"class_list":{"0":"post-88579","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-pittsburgh","8":"tag-anthony-weaver","9":"tag-brian-flores","10":"tag-chris-shula","11":"tag-ejiro-evero","12":"tag-jeff-hafley","13":"tag-jesse-minter","14":"tag-klay-kubiak","15":"tag-mike-tomlin","16":"tag-nate-scheelhaase","17":"tag-pittsburgh","18":"tag-pittsburgh-headlines","19":"tag-pittsburgh-news","20":"tag-pittsburgh-steelers","21":"tag-steelers","22":"tag-steelers-coaching-search","23":"tag-top"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88579"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88579\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88580"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}