5 dream candidates to replace Mike Tomlin if he unexpectedly walks away in 2024

The Steelers won't be in the market for a head coach, but these five candidates are exactly what they need.
Steelers, Ben Johnson
Steelers, Ben Johnson / Mike Mulholland/GettyImages
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3. Frank Smith, Dolphins' OC

Speaking of Mike McDaniel, taking the direct understudy of one of the most brilliant offensive minds in football might not be a bad thing. Smith is older than McDaniel, but his 14 years of NFL coaching experience isn't a bad thing. Though McDaniel calls the offense in Miami, Smith has been waiting in the wings and could emerge as a strong head coach candidate in 2024.

Smith's offense is averaging over 30 points per game this season in his second season on McDaniel's coaching staff. You better believe that the veteran coach has learned a thing or two.

One of the biggest problems with the Pittsburgh Steelers offense has been their lack of consistency and explosiveness in the passing game. McDaniel and Smith have been brilliant when it comes to getting the ball to their playmakers in space and allowing them to work after the catch. It helps that they thrive with plays designed to go over the middle of the field.

Even with a bad offensive line blocking for Tua Tagovailoa, there's so much to love about Miami's high-powered offense. This unit scored 70 points in a game earlier this year despite resting their starters in the fourth quarter. Getting the understudy to potentially the best offensive mind in the league at the moment would probably prove to be a great idea.