Top 20 head coach candidates to replace Mike Tomlin if the Steelers decide to move on
- A local Pittsburgh guy could be an interesting replacement
- Ron Rivera has a prior Pittsburgh connection
- Bill Belichick could be a free agent
Duce Staley is unemployed but has connections to the Steelers
Another former member of Pittsburgh's ball club here Duce Staley makes the list. He could be another option as an offensive coordinator, but he might even get interviews for top jobs across the NFL. Him being fired by the Panthers earlier this season won't help his cause there, but he has a good resume. He started his coaching career in 2011 and has not stopped since.
He has long been a running backs coach and gained the role of assistant head coach during his time in Philadelphia, Detroit, and then Carolina. He has a great way of coaching up players and has a great mentality that would carry over to the locker room well. Staley will be a head coach somewhere in the NFL, and he would be a nice candidate to consider.
Jim Harbaugh could join his brother in the AFC North division
Throwing out a curveball here as Jim Harbaugh has rumors swirling around him again about a potential NFL return. The Steeler's job would be one of the most sought-after opportunities in the coaching ranks for those looking. That could convince Harbaugh to leave his beloved Michigan program. Some might hate the idea, especially after Michigan's cheating scandal this year.
It would be crazy to see Harbaugh coach against his brother, John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens at least twice every year. It might not matter as college coaches make a lot of money to stick with their schools or to get hired elsewhere. If the Steelers' job would open, then someone like Harbaugh could look at their opening.