Unless the Pittsburgh Steelers find a way to win a Super Bowl this year, which is unlikely, they should experience changes. Current defensive coordinator Teryl Austin's contract runs out after the campaign, and it might benefit Mike Tomlin to put a new coach into that spot. There could be an abundance of choices who could prove to be upgrades over Austin to help their defense.
Austin hasn't been a quality coach for Pittsburgh, but Tomlin refuses to fire him. Instead, they use Austin as somewhat of a figurehead as the Steelers' long-time head coach controls much of the calls behind closed doors. Adding a defensive coordinator who can actually call a defense without Tomlin's rebuttals would be lovely.
The good news is that there should be plenty of potential upgrades available to replace Austin if the franchise lets him go.
Pittsburgh Steelers could have plenty of defensive coordinator options to choose from
Brian Flores, Vikings Defensive coordinator
Circle Brian Flores as a potential option to become the next defensive coordinator for the Steelers. Many fans of the black and gold demanded that Flores become the next defensive playcaller when he was with the team in 2022. Pittsburgh stuck with Austin, and Flores went to Minnesota to become their leader on defense. He has done an excellent job there, but his contract is coming to an end.
Rumor has it that Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders might consider hiring Flores as their next head coach. If that happens, it's clear that he would take that job over, considering another defensive coordinator opening. There is a connection between Flores and the Steelers, but he should gain plenty of buzz in different head coaching conversations.
He would be a slam-dunk hire for Tomlin.
Raheem Morris, Ex-Falcons Head coach
He just got fired by the Atlanta Falcons, but Raheem Morris could be under consideration as the next Steelers defensive coordinator. Both he and Tomlin got their NFL coaching experience at Tampa Bay before venturing elsewhere. That Florida connection could put Morris in contention in Pittsburgh. With extensive experience in defensive play-calling, he could be a reliable choice.
We know Tomlin isn't afraid of giving recently fired Falcons head coaches a second chance in the NFL.
He hired Arthur Smith, who was replaced by Morris. The recently fired coach won a Super Bowl with the LA Rams back in 2022 and has commanded other respectable defenses in the past. Morris has failed during his two tenures as a head coach in the NFL, but he's a talented defensive coordinator.
READ MORE: Breaking down the Steelers’ best OC replacements if Arthur Smith bails
Jonathan Gannon, Ex-Cardinals Head coach
His first time as a head coach didn't go as planned, and that's why Jonathan Gannon was fired by the Arizona Cardinals. During his time there, nothing seemed to go right. He joined the team as a respectable defensive coordinator, but he couldn't handle the top job. Gannon could be looking for a quick rebound, and solving the inconsistent puzzle of the Steelers' defense would help his cause.
An interesting note is that the former Cardinals top guy hails from Cleveland, Ohio. That might be enemy territory for the Steelers, but Pittsburgh is a short drive from his hometown. Perhaps Gannon would consider joining the franchise as their next defensive coordinator if it meant being closer to home. He was a terrific play caller before joining the Cardinals, and could be an upgrade over Austin.
Jim Schwartz, Browns Defensive coordinator
Cleveland just fired their head coach, Kevin Stefanski, and it could completely rehaul their coaching staff.
If so, Jim Schwartz could be in high demand. He has caused fits for the Steelers since he joined the Browns as their defensive wizard in 2023. Cleveland hasn't been a good team during that stretch, but Schwartz has found ways to keep their defense in the thick of the fight.
Myles Garrett just broke the single-season sack record, and having Schwartz join Pittsburgh to help solve T.J. Watt's recent setback this past year could help. He has found ways to form his defense around Garrett, and Pittsburgh might benefit if he could do the same with Watt. The Steelers would need the Browns to remove Schwartz as their defensive coordinator, but it's not impossible.