As Pittsburgh Steelers fans, many of us are entering uncharted territory. Most fans have witnessed just one or two head coaching changes in their lifetime, while the younger generation of fans might not even remember a time before Mike Tomlin.
While it's sad to see the Tomlin chapter officially end, fans are excited for what is sure to follow—change. Much-needed change, in fact.
The Steelers already kicked off the head coaching interview process by requesting meetings with some intriguing candidates like Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
But one hot name on the market the Steelers have yet to express interest in is Mike McDaniel.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may not consider Mike McDaniel for their head coaching position
Over the past several years, football fans have come to love McDaniel. At 5'9'' and 175 pounds soaking wet, McDaniel looks like a boy among men on the NFL sidelines, and his quirky personality makes for some tremendously entertaining responses to the media.
But underneath the fun-loving persona McDaniel presents is a brilliant offensive mind waiting for his next chance head coaching position.
McDaniel was hired by the Miami Dolphins during the 2022 offseason, and he quickly helped his new team record back-to-back winning seasons. In 2023, McDaniel's offense ranked first in points and second in yards while helping Tua Tagovailoa earn MVP consideration. His impressive season even included a 70-point game in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, even after benching his starters in the second half.
Despite his early success, the Dolphins fired McDaniel after just four seasons. Now one of the NFL's young, innovative offensive minds is back on the market... but the Steelers may not have any interest.
While the sample has been admittedly small, there are two things the Pittsburgh Steelers have historically looked for in a head coach since the NFL merger: youth and a defensive-minded presence. The Steelers like tone-setters. After all, legendary defenses are what brought championships to Pittsburgh over the generations.
At 42, McDaniel is young with plenty of coaching years ahead. However, McDaniel doesn't fit the bill of the defensive-minded head coach the Steelers tend to lean toward. He would also be considered a re-tread head coach, and historically, this franchise doesn't like to hire former HCs—they prefer to start fresh.
Because of his track record dating back to his time as an offensive coordinator for Kyle Shanahan (one of the best in the business) in San Francisco, McDaniel has produced impressive offenses. There's no question he would give the Steelers a boost on this side of the ball.
Unfortunately, fans shouldn't hold their breath. Mike McDaniel doesn't fit what the Pittsburgh Steelers look for, and he's unlikely to be considered for the head coaching position.