4 head coach options for the Steelers if Mike Tomlin steps down

Reports have recently surfaced that Mike Tomlin may be on his way out of the Steelers head coaching job. This won’t be due to a firing though, as Tomlin may decide to take a break from coaching, akin to what Sean Payton did before being traded to the Broncos last offseason.

This comes as a mild surprise. While I have shifted my opinion on Tomlin over the past few months (long story short, I think he should be gone so this team can properly rebuild), I wasn’t actively expecting him to leave. This wouldn’t be a firing, but it would force the Steelers to find a new coach to lead this team. Here are the four best coaching fits if Tomlin decides to step away from coaching.

Steelers could reunite with Brian Flores

A name that would make a lot of sense on paper, Brian Flores had an all-too-short stint with the Steelers last season. A surprise firing following a strong tenure with the Dolphins, Flores was left without a job amidst a lawsuit with his former team. Tomlin brought him on as a defensive assistant before he took the Vikings defensive coordinator job this past year.

He has continued to provide great coaching wherever he lands. He was a strong presence for the Steelers when here and he presented a stout defense for the Vikings. Not to mention his job as a head coach, where he took a perennial loser team and had them remain competitive. He clearly knows how to get the most out of players.

Flores would be a safe and familiar hire for this team if they need to go that way. While I am more inclined to look for an offensive coordinator to take on the job, Flores has talent as a coach. I would be all for a reunion if Tomlin decides to step down.