Mike Tomlin has his contract expire following 2024. Ownership could decide to have a mutual parting of ways between the Steelers and their long-time head coach. Even a potential trade could make sense for both sides. It would shock the NFL world as many hold Tomlin in high regard. He now looks to finish a season still having hope to earn a playoff spot after his young quarterback got hit with an ankle injury.
Sometimes coaching demands change and a new voice in a room to turn things around. Tomlin has not won a playoff game in Pittsburgh since 2017 and has not made the Super Bowl since 2011. Some might consider that good enough, but even Tomlin has stated it hasn't been to their expectation. If the Steelers move on from Tomlin in a shocking move, they could look at these names to replace him.
The Steelers could either go with an inexperienced players coach
One name to monitor, but it unlikely could be someone like Josh McCown. He just retired from the NFL a couple of years ago as a backup journeyman for many years. His experience would be one that should be able to help provide developmental aid to someone like Kenny Pickett. Someone like McCown could be a good players coach and someone who could spark a locker room.
Maybe he still needs to learn the way of the coaching ranks before he gets a head coaching gig. He was a quarterbacks coach in Carolina before getting fired earlier this year. That organization is a mess, but they have some interesting coaches who are looking for jobs. McCown could be a name for the open offensive coordinator gig too.
A local Pittsburgh guy could be an interesting Mike Tomlin replacement
Don't worry this whole list is not only former Carolina Panther coaches from this season. Frank Reich is someone who has stated that he could be done with his career as a coach. Maybe a certain job would change his mind. A place with stability that holds his hometown team would be something of interest to Reich.
He has been fired by the Colts and Panthers in back-to-back years, which is not the best endorsement of anyone. He comes from an offensive mind and helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl as their offensive coordinator. He could also be an interesting name to be an offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh if he would like to move back to the Steel City.