Shocking news rippled through the sports world when Mike Tomlin announced he would be stepping down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. For many fans, it was long overdue, though most understood that Art Rooney II would never have the guts to fire him—it was always going to be Tomlin’s decision when the time came.
After 19 seasons with the Steelers, Tomlin had a great run. He enjoyed early success in his career and earned the remarkable distinction of never having a losing season. But in recent years, things had grown stale. His tenure was arguably overdue for a change, especially with the team failing to win a playoff game in nine straight seasons.
Fans were frustrated by the repeated struggles and the lack of progress, and that frustration became visible: for the first time, Steelers fans chanted “Fire Mike Tomlin” during the loss to the Bills and again late in the game against the Texans.
Following the announcement, Rooney held a press conference at noon on Wednesday to discuss the news and what lies ahead. When asked whether any staff members might be considered for the head coaching job, Rooney said, "Right now, I don’t think anybody on our staff is a candidate. Maybe a candidate to stay on the staff, depending on what the new head coach wants to do, but probably not as a head coach."
While a new head coach usually brings in an entirely new staff, four Steelers coaches deserve to be retained, no matter who takes over at the top.
4 Pittsburgh Steelers coaches who deserve to stay on once a new HC is decided
The Steelers were in desperate need of a restart—their approach just wasn’t working anymore. Trying to “run it back” with the same coaching staff last season was a mistake from the start. With a new head coach, major changes are inevitable, from staff to scheme, philosophy, personnel, and overall culture. For a team loaded with veterans, these four coaches not only deserve to be retained, but they’ve also proven they can do the job well.
Special Teams Coordinator: Danny Smith
Danny Smith has been with the Steelers for 13 years, providing invaluable continuity for a new head coach as he gets up to speed with the team and its culture. Under Smith, the Steelers have consistently had one of the top special teams units in the NFL.
He has a sharp sense of when to be aggressive, and the team reliably records a few blocked punts or field goals each season. Beyond his on-field success, his electric personality resonates with the team, and players consistently give nothing but praise for his leadership and coaching style.
Defensive Line Coach: Karl Dunbar
Karl Dunbar has been with the Steelers for eight seasons and has played a major role in developing both their star and role players along the defensive front, not just in Pittsburgh but throughout his career. Every year, the Steelers' defensive line remains one of the team’s strongest units and also one of the best in the NFL, and Dunbar has built an outstanding reputation across the league.
With the team needing to continue strengthening this unit, especially if Cameron Heyward eventually retires, there is no better coach to develop incoming rookies and free agents than Dunbar.
Running Backs Coach: Eddie Faulkner
Eddie Faulkner has been with the Steelers for seven straight years and has done an outstanding job coaching the running backs. Under his guidance, Najee Harris has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his seasons in Pittsburgh, and James Conner also thrived during his time with the team. Faulkner turned undrafted rookie Jaylen Warren into a very solid back, one of the best pass protectors and third-down backs in the NFL, and even helped Kenneth Gainwell put together a career year.
Quarterbacks Coach: Tom Arth
Tom Arth has been with the Steelers for just three years, but has done a solid job with the talent he’s had to work with. Everyone he’s worked under has had nothing but praise for him. Justin Fields looked the best he has in the NFL in his starts in Pittsburgh, and Arth brings experience working with elite quarterbacks like Justin Herbert, as well as having spent time alongside Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers this season.
That’s a résumé full of accomplished quarterbacks, making him a valuable resource for whoever becomes the next franchise QB. He deserves to remain on the staff in some capacity.