Mike Tomlin stepped down from the Pittsburgh Steelers' head coaching spot, and the team is in the middle of the interview process for a replacement. The list of potential coaches spans the NFL and includes former head coaches, veteran coordinators, and younger options. With so many unique candidates to replace Tomlin, clarity could come in the coming weeks.
With the NFL playoffs still in full swing, there will be challenges for the top candidates rumored to be on the Steelers' board.
Los Angeles Rams coaches Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase have earned interviews with Pittsburgh. Both would be interesting options to join the franchise, and either could be legit head coach options. For now, the team must wait another week to schedule in-person interviews.
Shula is still viewed as a top contender, as Brian Flores and Anthony Weaver have already moved on to second interviews. This coaching search could be on hold until the Steelers conduct a wide-ranging search for Tomlin's replacement. There is a dream scenario where the team finally blends the new age of football with the old under a strong coaching staff for the 2026 season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could have an ideal setup with a new Head Coach and staff
Head coach: Chris Shula
As I mentioned earlier, most signs continue to point to Shula having an inside track to become the Steelers' next head coach. Even so, there are no guarantees until he signs a contract. With the Rams in the midst of a postseason run. Pittsburgh could grow impatient and refuse to wait too long for Shula if other opportunities emerge.
Shula has strong football roots and has shown that he would be a strong fit with the Steelers.
He helped turn around the Rams' defense since becoming their defensive coordinator. He also fits the mold of what Pittsburgh has searched for in past hires. The Rams' young up-and-coming coordinator could hold the title for a long time. Shula would be a great head coach who could fill out a quality staff.
READ MORE: Ranking the Steelers' top 5 replacements for long-time HC Mike Tomlin
Offensive coordinator: Nate Scheelhaase
The idea has been floated out there that Shula could potentially bring Scheelhaase with him if he joins the Steelers. There are several scenarios that would need to happen for this dream situation to transpire. Pittsburgh would have to get Shula as their top guy, and see Scheelhaase not getting a coaching gig elsewhere. He is currently considered for several head coach vacancies.
It's also unknown if Scheelhaase would leave the Rams organization even for a job upgrade to offensive coordinator.
It would make sense for him to do so, but with the number of head coach interviews he's already received, he might not have to leave LA. Shula could potentially lure Scheelhaase to Pittsburgh, but it would be a difficult situation to navigate depending on the circumstances.
Defensive coordinator: Raheem Morris
Should Shula be hired, he would benefit from adding two strong coordinators to his staff. They added Scheelhaase to handle the entire offense, and now they bring in Raheem Morris as their defensive coordinator. With prior connections to the LA Rams, Morris could be the perfect choice to replace Teryl Austin. Morris held the defensive coordinator position with the Rams from 2021 to 2023.
Shula has produced strong defenses with the Rams himself, but it might make sense to add a strong, experienced coach to his staff.
Morris could help him navigate the transition to the head coach position. Shula and Morris crossed paths in LA as Shula held three different titles under Morris as his coordinator. There is a clear connection, and it might be time for the student to become the master.