The Pittsburgh Steelers joined the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns in their search for a new head coach. After Mike Tomlin surprisingly stepped down from his coaching duties, a total of nine NFL teams are looking for a new head coach to lead their organization.
But the latest coaching rumors have the potential to be the ultimate gut punch to Steelers fans.
Recently, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is interviewing with the Ravens this week. McDaniel was relieved of his duties after the Dolphins went 7-10 during the 2025 season.
On the surface, McDaniel doesn't seem threatening to the Steelers. The four-year head coach has helped Miami to a career record of just 35-33 since 2022. However, when you consider the potential implications, McDaniel might just be the missing piece for Baltimore.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may soon have to face Mike McDaniel twice a year
The Cleveland Browns might be more serious than the Ravens about making McDaniel their next head coach. While Steelers fans shouldn't want the young offensive mind in the AFC North at all (if he's not going to be in Pittsburgh), McDaniel would be especially threatening if he joined the Ravens.
Though Miami's offense was nothing special in 2025, the Dolphins had massive talent issues on both sides of their roster. Meanwhile, superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill suffered a gruesome knee injury early in the season and missed the remainder of the year.
But if you go back just a few seasons, Miami's offense was the best in the business.
In 2023, the McDaniel's offense finished first in yards and second in the NFL in points scored. This was accompanied by multiple blowout victories, including a 70-20 pounding of the Denver Broncos in Week 3. McDaniel's offense was so good that even quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looked like a true MVP candidate.
And if he made Tua look like an elite quarterback, what more could he do with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson?
The Baltimore Ravens are more talented than the Dolphins on both sides of the football with a significantly better quarterback. Meanwhile, Mike McDaniel—who comes straight from the coveted Kyle Shanahan coaching tree—is an expert when it comes to developing a top rushing game and attacking the middle of the football field.
The Steelers could soon be dealing with facing Mike McDaniel twice per season in the AFC North, and the innovative head coach would quickly revive his career in Baltimore. Let's hope the Ravens' rumored interest in McDaniel doesn't result in him becoming John Harbaugh's long-term replacement.