At what point is it enough for owner Art Rooney II to acknowledge Mike Tomlin's shortcomings as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers?
The fans are sick and tired of the team sitting in mediocrity under Tomlin's helm, and everything came to a boiling point against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13. It was an ugly game for the Steelers, who lost 26-7. Nothing seemed to go right, and their fans started to chant, "Fire Tomlin!" during the contest. It's the first time it's happened, but it probably won't be the last.
In the NFL, Pittsburgh stands out as a franchise that keeps its head coaches long term. Coaching changes occur only when a coach retires or leaves by mutual agreement. The Steelers never fire their head coaches outright. Still, unless the rest of the season takes a dramatic turn, it’s hard to see this partnership lasting much longer.
If they pull the trigger on letting Tomlin go, there are some interesting candidates who could replace him this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers could have interesting candidates to replace Mike Tomlin as Head coach
Mike McCarthy, former Cowboys and Packers head coach
One name to circle on the list of possibilities could be Mike McCarthy. He is from Pittsburgh, and he knows the Steelers well. He has plenty of coaching experience and was the top guy in Dallas for several seasons before getting let go. While not a new-age hire, McCarthy has the experience to lead the team through a full season and aim for the playoffs.
Hiring McCarthy would appear to be the "safe option" of the hiring cycle. He won't wow you in certain areas, but he would bring stability when Tomlin leaves. He knows how to run an organization, and his years of experience make him intriguing. Bringing a Pittsburgh-born candidate home has a nice ring to it, but he shouldn't be the top choice as the next head coach for the Steelers.
Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator
McCarthy might not be a top choice for Pittsburgh because he would be another retread. If they want to add "new blood" to the NFL coaching ranks, then Jeff Hafley might be a top option. He has completely reformed the Packers' defense since joining in 2024. Hafley served as head coach at Boston College from 2020 to 2023, giving him the experience to guide the Steelers into contention.
It would be fitting for this franchise to go from one defensive-minded coach to another. On one hand, it could succeed if Hafley addresses the Steelers’ defensive issues and hires a quality offensive coordinator. On the other hand, it could result in the same mindset that has Tomlin on the brink of getting let go. Hafley is an interesting choice, but getting another defensive-minded guy is scary.
READ MORE: Steelers fans' message for Mike Tomlin rings over broadcast in loss to Bills
Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator
If Pittsburgh wants to get into the new age of football, it should consider an offensive-minded head coach to replace Tomlin.
Klint Kubiak is an interesting option for NFL vacancies this offseason. He has NFL bloodlines, which the Steelers love. His father, Gary Kubiak, led the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl victory. Kubiak is an up-and-coming offensive mind who could transform the Steelers from defense to offense once and for all.
His NFL connections from his father’s era to today’s league are beginning to open doors. Kubiak doesn't have a ton of experience, but he is young and would fit the bill for modern coaches. Hiring a young offensive mind is common in the NFL, and the Steelers would be wise to lean more toward offense than defense if they replace Tomlin.
Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator
Word on the street is the Steelers will be in the market for a quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft, and that means Joe Brady should be high on their list. He helped coach up Josh Allen into MVP status and spent time with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson at LSU. At just 36 years old, he is very young, but Brady could be an ideal fit for the Steelers.
Whether Pittsburgh lets Tomlin go this offseason or not, Brady will remain a top candidate for most openings.
Don't be shocked if he gets compared to current Bears head coach Ben Johnson to a certain degree. Both are young offensive minds. Steelers fans would welcome a fresh start like Chicago has under Johnson, and Brady could deliver something similar.