After another disappointing conclusion to the season, Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are in a similar boat. They managed to preserve their longtime head coach’s non-losing season streak, but failed to make any noise in the playoffs, losing 30-6 to the Houston Texans. The team has not won a postseason game since 2017 and has not reached the Super Bowl since 2011.
Eventually, consistency without postseason success ceases to be a virtue and becomes a limitation.
While Tomlin remains one of the NFL’s top coaches, it appears to be time for both sides to move on. The long-time leader in Pittsburgh might want time away from football, and the Steelers could be best served going in another direction. There are several candidates available this offseason who could replace Tomlin as the next head coach.
It would be the most sought-after vacancy in football.
Pittsburgh Steelers have interesting list of head coach candidates to replace Mike Tomlin
John Harbaugh, Ex-Ravens head coach
It seems better if the Steelers go with a fresh candidate to replace Tomlin, but you'd be foolish not to consider John Harbaugh. He was just fired by the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons of competitive football. He won a Super Bowl and has helped coach up some of the best players in the NFL. He has seen plenty of shortcomings as a head coach, and some of those mirror Tomlin in many ways.
The idea of Harbaugh joining the Steelers only to haunt his former employer is tempting. In reality, it may be best to go in another direction. While the longtime Ravens coach is one of the most experienced and proven candidates to replace Tomlin, he may not be the best fit. Harbaugh should get an interview if a vacancy does happen, and he would surely love the job stability.
Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinator
If the Steelers do move on from Tomlin, a name has already been floated as a potential successor. Chris Shula was rumored to be monitored by Pittsburgh's brass leading up to the final week of the regular season. The organization seems prepared to find a new head coach if necessary. Shula is a young defensive mind in the NFL, and he has helped turn around the LA Rams' defense.
He comes from a family history of NFL coaches.
His father is Dave Shula, and his grandfather is legendary coach Don Shula. The Steelers have long favored NFL bloodlines, and that preference could carry over with this decision. It's no coincidence that the rumor mill surrounding Shula arrived before Tomlin made the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if this rumor gains momentum once the season ends and Tomlin is let go.
READ MORE: Steelers’ next Defensive Coordinator: Early front-runners to keep an eye on
Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator
If the organization wants to embrace the modern era of the NFL, only one path truly makes sense: hiring an offensive-minded head coach. Tomlin’s conservative approach has grown stale over the course of his career. Hiring an offensive mind like Klint Kubiak could be a solid choice to usher in the new era of football into Pittsburgh's ranks once and for all.
It would be a massive shift.
The Steelers continue to be a defensive-minded team, and bringing in another defensive play caller to replace Tomlin could lead to more of the same. Kubiak is a young offensive mind who has done wonders with the Seattle Seahawks as their offensive coordinator. He has deep NFL ties, as the son of Gary Kubiak and brother of 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak.
Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator
Prior to his departure to become the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, Brian Flores had been suggested by some in Steelers Nation as a potential replacement for Tomlin. That didn't happen, and Flores has become a top coordinator during his time with the Vikings. It was unrealistic then for the former blacklisted option to take over, but now it's not too far-fetched. He will have choices to make.
Flores is the top defensive mind available during this hiring cycle.
He could jump over to Pittsburgh as their new defensive coordinator if he fails to earn a top job, but that is unlikely. There should be enough teams inquiring about his services that he should land a top position. During his tenure with the Steelers, Tomlin has spoken positively about Flores, a factor that could strengthen Flores’ chances of securing the potential opening.