The Steelers are not looking for a head coach but if they were, here are some options that are interesting.
The Steelers have one of the most stable jobs in professional sports with their head coaching position. Mike Tomlin has been at the helm for well over a decade now and his run is impressive. He has not had a losing season to date at which makes him one of the most stable leaders at his position in all sports.
His success comes with a lot of scrutiny and for good reason at times. His struggles to make the playoffs and the lack of wins in that tournament recently has become an issue. However, Tomlin is still one of the best coaches in the league. He may have some concerns that have popped up recently on his resume but Pittsburgh still has their long-term plan for the job.
This article is something fun to converse about when it comes to some outside head coaching option if Tomlin left the team tomorrow. This coach will not be leaving his club anytime soon nor will the team be seeking another person to take his spot. This list of individuals would be an interesting fit if this situation would play out and the head coaching spot was left vacant.
Marvin Lewis, former Cincinnati Bengals head coach
Marvin Lewis has been out of the NFL ever since he was fired by the Cincinnati Bengals after a long tenure as their head coach. Many might be scratching their heads at this option as the man hasn’t been in the league since 2018. Enough time has gone by for his time in Cincinnati to die off and maybe get another look at an NFL coaching job.
His resume is strong and he has a long track record of successful seasons in the league. His reputation of not winning in the playoffs is another sore spot but an opportunity could be there. He is from Pennsylvania so the local idea would interest many.
This one is least likely because it is unknown if Lewis would even want to coach in the NFL anymore but joining an AFC North rival to the Bengals would be interesting. It would bring an old NFL mind to a younger game.
Don Martindale, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator
Don Martindale has become one of the better defensive minds in the entire NFL. The Baltimore Ravens are continuing to overcome adversity on their team and much of that is on the defensive side. They are using different methods to play solid defensively and cause turnovers. Much of the defenses’ success is coming from the mind of Martindale.
He has been in the league since 2004 with the Ravens. Martindale was promoted to the defensive coordinator in 2018. His ability to create a top defense every year and help lead this team to the playoffs every season is impressive. Many teams across the league looking to fill their head coaching job will look towards Martindale this upcoming hiring season.
Many might not notice him in the background of Baltimore as the offense constantly gets a lot of notoriety. That is for good reason but the way this defense has carried this team at times during certain games is because of the aid of this coach. He is getting rookies and depth guys to come in and step up when the time calls for it.
He should get a shot at leading a club sometime soon with his track record. He will have a shot this upcoming offseason as long as things go according to plan. His defensive mind and a long list of experience in this league would be a huge interest to the Steelers.
Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator
Many black and gold fans will remember Byron Leftwich being the backup to Ben Roethlisberger for a certain period. He was constantly hurt but his sharp mind has led to him being a young offensive coordinator in the league. He has a great gig in Tampa Bay as he coaches Tom Brady and looks like a genius doing it.
Leftwich is someone that would attract the Steelers if they were looking for a new coach. He is young so he follows the track record of past hires they have made, with Tomlin and Cowher. Another interesting wrinkle would be his time playing for the franchise.
Many preferred Charlie Batch over Leftwich as Big Ben’s backup but getting a young offensive mind would be something unique that this team has not experienced. Most of the time, this team is looking for a defensive-minded individual but they may need to alternate that thinking as the league changes.
This is an offensive game now and you need new ideas to back up that thought process. Bringing in a young offensive coordinator to help a young quarterback that will be coming in eventually would be a huge boost. His time as a quarterback in this league would also help a rookie come along with their development.
Kellen Moore, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator
Kellen Moore is one of the bright spots as a young offensive-minded head coaching candidate. He just retired from being a career backup in the NFL for many years and will be searching for a leader spot for a franchise soon.
They have one of the league’s best offensive attacks with a bounty of weapons and unique play calls. Everything is adding up to Moore getting some interviews and a potential job offer when some jobs start to look for a new hire. He will garner plenty of interest even though his heart might be in Dallas since he spent some time playing there.
The Steelers would be following the current hiring ideal in the NFL with the addition of this coach. He is extremely young for this profession and brings new ideas to this new brand of football. This game is in the offense’s favor and teams are taking notice. The Sean McVay effect is still very prevalent.
The biggest issue with Moore would be finding a solid defensive coordinator that could take care of things on the opposite side of the ball. Moore would primarily take offensive duties but his inexperience on the defensive side could be concerning for the more traditional Steel City team.
Matt Campbell, Iowa State head coach
Matt Campbell has not had the best season coaching the Iowa State Cyclones in 2021. Their record fell off but he is still one of the most desirable coaches for NFL teams when you look at the collegiate ranks. He got a lot of attention at the NFL level during last season’s hiring period but he declined and stayed at Iowa State.
If teams come knocking again then maybe he could get pried away from his current employer. It gets tricky with college contracts and the buyouts that occur so an NFL team looking at him would consider that as well. Even though he had a down year, Campbell should still get some interest and potentially some interviews soon.
Pittsburgh would have the same mindset as they would with Kellen Moore. Campbell is a young and upcoming coach with some good potential. The leap from college to the NFL is not for everyone but this guy should be fine with it. His new ideas that he will bring with him are something teams are always looking for.
The Steelers would be making a bold move with this hire as they normally seek someone with solid NFL coaching experience. Getting a college coach to come in and lead men rather than teenagers is quite the step. This would be an interesting hire for any ball club.
Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
Many still wonder why Eric Bieniemy is not a head coach in this league and that’s a great question. He has consistently created one of the best offensive attacks in the league with Patrick Mahomes under center. He has even called games without the star quarterback and still won games. The Chiefs have been in a funk at times during 2021 but they seem to be turning things around and a lot of that credit should go towards this coordinator.
He has gained a lot of respect around the league and for good reason. He has also been interviewed for head coaching jobs in the past but still is looking for the right opportunity. Some college jobs have been rumored to have interest in Bieniemy, like USC in the past. He should be looking for an NFL position and this might be the year that he finally gets one.
This is a smart man that is seeking the right place for his head-coaching shot. He could’ve taken lesser positions for other franchises in the past but he did not seem to want them as bad. If the Steelers position opened, then you have to believe he would have a lot of interest.
Getting one of the most stable jobs in sports while having one of the biggest head coach-hopefuls for a while just adds up nicely. He would get immediate stability and a clean slate for a team that seems to be moving in a new direction. Bieniemy would be the perfect man for the job if Mike Tomlin left the team.
The Steelers won’t be looking for a head coach anytime soon but it is always interesting to see what’s out there. Some good options are available for this upcoming offseason for those teams looking for a new leader.