The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in uncharted territory after the surprising announcement that Mike Tomlin is stepping away as head coach. It has been 19 years since the organization last conducted a head coach search, following Bill Cowher’s retirement, which ultimately led to Tomlin getting the job.
The franchise will now be searching for only its fourth head coach since 1969, a rare transition for a franchise that values stability above all else.
This opening is one of the most coveted jobs in all of sports. The Steelers' brand is recognized around the world, with fans across the globe, and leading this team is a high-profile, high-stakes opportunity. Pittsburgh has a strong track record of finding quality head coaches, and they are expected to take their time to ensure they select the right candidate.
This is a pivotal moment in Steelers history.
There are significant unknowns surrounding the roster, including a pressing need for a franchise quarterback. This hire must be a home run. The Steelers have the resources and reputation to attract top-tier candidates. They are likely to cast a wide net, similar to their recent general manager search when Kevin Colbert retired, and Omar Khan was promoted internally.
Since Tomlin's departure, the Steelers have begun requesting interviews, and the list of potential candidates is already impressive. Here is every interview request submitted so far.
Every Pittsburgh Steelers head coach interview request we know so far
So far, the Steelers have requested interviews with eight candidates in the following order:
- Nate Scheelhaase (Rams pass game coordinator)
- Chris Shula (Rams defensive coordinator)
- Anthony Weaver (Dolphins defensive coordinator)
- Jesse Minter (Chargers defensive coordinator)
- Brian Flores (Vikings defensive coordinator)
- Ejiro Evero (Panthers defensive coordinator)
- Jeff Hafley (Packers defensive coordinator)
- Klay Kubiak (49ers offensive coordinator)
The list reflects a clear trend toward younger coaches with defensive backgrounds, following the blueprint set by Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin, all of whom built long-standing success in Pittsburgh with strong defensive philosophies.
Of these eight candidates, the Steelers have already scheduled interviews with Nate Scheelhaase, Chris Shula, Jesse Minter, and Jeff Hafley. More names will likely be added to the mix as the search develops.
Even though it has been less than a week since Tomlin’s announcement, the Steelers have moved quickly to gain an early advantage in their search, signaling how seriously they are approaching this rare and pivotal head coaching vacancy.
With the organization’s reputation and the prestige of the role, this search promises to draw significant attention from coaches across the league, and the candidates already on the list show the team is considering a mix of proven coordinators and innovative young minds.