With the season finally at an end after a dismal conclusion, Mike Tomlin will have plenty of decisions to make on his coaching staff. There are a couple of coaches who should be on the hot seat, and many still believe Tomlin should be one of them. It has been reported that he will return as the Steelers Head coach, so now it is time to look for other scapegoats on the coaching staff.
Losing will cause change in the NFL, especially when you lose the last five games of the campaign. Tomlin deserves every ounce of criticism that follows him along the way. His shortcomings as a coach have caused countless coaches their jobs. Since Pittsburgh's defense fell apart, Teryl Austin will likely lose his job as the defensive coordinator, and Tomlin will need to find a replacement.
Larry Foote (Buccaneers PGC/ILB)
One of the worst decisions Tomlin has made as a coach has been neglecting former players an opportunity to join his staff. Larry Foote is a former linebacker of the Steelers and continues to climb the ranks in Tampa Bay. It is unknown if he would consider leaving the Buccaneers, but getting a shot at a defensive coordinator spot for the first time in Foote's career would certainly be enticing.
Jeff Ulbrich, (Jets I-HC & DC)
Tomlin showed that he is not afraid to bring in former Head coaches with Arthur Smith and Brian Flores being prime examples. Jeff Ulbrich might have only held the interim spot with the Jets this season, but he was also their defensive coordinator. New York has plenty of quality players on their defense, and it is possible Ulbrich could have some interest if Austin is fired in the coming weeks.
Dennis Allen (Saints former HC)
He has held the title of Head coach before, but Dennis Allen is back on the job market once again. He has plenty of experience as a defensive coach. He has seven years of prime experience as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, which should pique the Steeler's interest. Allen would be an interesting candidate for Pittsburgh as he would be a big-time hire that came out of nowhere.
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Rex Ryan (Jets/Bills former HC)
Let's get a little crazy here and throw Rex Ryan into the fold for the Steelers' next defensive coordinator. He has expressed interest in returning to the NFL as a coach. He wants a Head coaching gig, but he didn't rule out a prime opportunity to become a defensive coordinator either. Ryan would be a shocking hire, but he has immense respect for Tomlin and has led great defenses in the past.
Deshea Townsend (Lions PGC/DB)
Somewhat similar to Foote, but Deshea Townsend could make sense for Pittsburgh in this hiring cycle. He played under Tomlin as a cornerback for the Steelers. He has climbed the ranks in a loaded coaching staff with the Lions organization. Townsend has gained plenty of coaching experience in the NFL since he retired from playing. He should get a crack at calling plays on defense soon.
Robert Saleh (Jets former HC)
It might be wise for Tomlin to keep the trend of hiring former Head coaches for his staff going. Robert Saleh is looking for a great opportunity either as a top coach or getting a rebound shot as a defensive coordinator. It would make plenty of sense for Tomlin to hire Saleh so he can control one of the highest-paid defenses. It could land him another top job within the next year or two.
Ejiro Evero (Panthers DC)
He might still be the defensive coordinator for the Panthers, but Ejiro Evero should be searching for a better job. Carolina stinks and Evero has been in the conversation to land a Head coaching job for the past couple of offseasons. Perhaps Evero needs to get to a better franchise to cement his opportunity and the Steelers would be a perfect landing spot for him going forward.
Kelvin Sheppard (Lions LB)
Townsend was mentioned earlier, but his fellow Lions coach Kelvin Sheppard makes the list here too. They have plenty of quality young and upcoming coaches on their staff in Detroit. Tomlin likes to have his fingerprints on the defense, so he needs a defensive coordinator that he can control to a certain degree. It would be Sheppard's first defensive coordinator position, so that would work with this hire.
Brandon Staley (49ers AHC)
Fans would certainly shiver at the idea of the Steelers bringing in Brandon Staley as their next defensive coordinator. He turned the Charger's defense into mush during his time as their Head coach. He is now with the 49ers where he has done some good things. Tomlin could like his former experience as a top coach and coordinator. Staley could be someone Tomlin could control as well.
Steve Wilks (Panther's former I-HC)
He hasn't held an NFL job since 2023, but Steve Wilks is an interesting name to monitor if the Steelers fire Austin. Wilks has plenty of coaching experience in the NFL, with his entire resume roaming around the defensive side of the ball. He has held a variety of positions during his 17-year NFL career. Tomlin will surely love his experience and the defensive mind he would provide to Pittsburgh.