Dolphins DC suddenly looks like a serious Steelers HC contender

Pittsburgh Steelers fans will likely be waiting for several more weeks before learning who their next Head Coach will be, but the list of contenders for the job is beginning to take shape. The Sean McDermott firing may complicate things a bit, as he could ramp up the pressure for teams to hire a coach before the Buffalo Bills can swoop in, but expect Pittsburgh to stick to its plan.

After completing multiple initial virtual interviews, in-person interviews have begun. While there will be plenty of those to come, one of the first reported names being brought in is a bit of a surprise.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is set to be in Pittsburgh this week for his second interview with the team, alongside Vikings DC Brian Flores. Flores getting a second interview shouldn't surprise anyone, as he has already been in the building back in 2022 as a defensive assistant. Weaver, though, may suddenly be a name to watch.

Pittsburgh Steelers showing plenty of interest in Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver

Weaver has a history in the AFC North, as he was a draft pick of the Ravens back in 2002 and held several coaching roles with them from 2021 to 2023. That familiarity is likely a big factor in the Steelers' interest in him, but it's still a bit surprising for him to be getting a second interview.

Weaver is not a bad coach by any means, and he did do a solid job over the past two seasons in Miami, given the talent he had to work with. However, multiple candidates fit the same mold this cycle as young defensive minds, and nearly all of them are either more sought after or come from a more established coaching tree.

The Steelers are more than likely just doing their due diligence and keeping an open mind, and there is a reason why Weaver is still a long shot, according to recent odds to be the choice for HC.

Now, could he be in the running to be their DC, depending on who is hired as the HC? That could be the more likely scenario, especially if new Giants HC John Harbaugh doesn't choose him as his DC in New York. He doesn't have any history with the top candidates for Pittsburgh, but that doesn't completely rule him out as an option.

Regardless of why he is getting the second interview, though, it's a sign that the Steelers are starting to narrow down their search for Mike Tomlin's replacement.