For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Pittsburgh Steelers are hunting for their next head coach. Mike Tomlin stepped down from the helm after a historic stint, so the team must now figure out who will lead this team for the foreseeable future.
The Steelers have wasted little time casting out their net.
As of me writing this, the Steelers have requested an interview with five coaches around the league. The names are the usual suspects and are geared toward young, defensive-minded coaches.
While this list will likely grow, it feels like this initial list is the early frontrunner to ultimately get the nod. With that in mind, here is a ranking of the five options for the Steelers' next head coach.
Ranking the early candidates for the Pittsburgh Steelers next head coach
5. Anthony Weaver: Defensive Coordinator, Miami Dolphins
One of these names is not like the other, in my opinion. Anthony Weaver has never been able to craft truly top-end defenses. His stint with the Texans was short because of this, while his time in Miami has been marred with inconsistencies.
The Dolphins have been ranked close to the middle/bottom of most important statistical categories. His schemes don’t feel inventive, and I don’t think he got the most out of his players. If he didn’t do that on defense, I’m not sure how he translates as a head coach.
Could Weaver get the nod? I suppose, but he feels like the weakest option of the names currently in the fold.
4. Brian Flores: Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
I really like Brian Flores as a candidate. His being ranked at four should tell you just how strong the initial list of names being considered is.
Flores was the one-time coach for the Dolphins, and unlike Weaver, he got the most out of his players. That seemingly wasn’t what ownership wanted, though, leading to his firing. That brought him to Pittsburgh, where he had a lot of success as a defensive assistant.
He is deserving of being a head coach again, and I like his hard-nosed style as a leader. That said, he feels like a conservative option. Still, though, he should be viewed as an early favorite with obvious ties to the team.
3. Nate Scheelhaase: Pass Game Coordinator, LA Rams
Nate Scheelhaase has quickly garnered a lot of attention as a fan favorite for head coach. The Rams offense came alive this year, and Scheelhaase helped get the most out of an older group of veterans. He is a huge reason why the Rams are in the playoffs right now.
READ MORE: Steelers better hope they find their next Mike Tomlin this offseason
He is inventive in both the ground game and through the air. For an offense that has been lackluster for years, he could easily provide a breath of fresh air.
That said, he is extremely young and unproven, and some offensive coaches struggle to give up control once they are head coaches. That has backfired for a few teams in recent years. Choosing him would be swinging for the fences, but I personally would like a defensive-minded coach who brings Scheelhaase on as the offensive coordinator.
2. Chris Shula: Defensive Coordinator, LA Rams
Two names stick out as the best options in this class. I put Chris Shula in second, but I certainly wouldn’t be upset with him being named the next head coach.
Like Weaver, his units haven’t been elite, which is his biggest knock; they have been advantageous. Sacks have rolled in with ease, while turnover culture is notable. He has done all of this despite having to shed the old guard and establish new faces on defense.
Shula would be a really smart hire as someone who can clearly get the most out of his players. He also would have ties to some innovative offensive minds to add as his offensive coordinator, such as Scheelhaase, which helps his cause.
1. Jesse Minter: Defensive Coordinator, LA Chargers
My personal favorite candidate by a healthy margin is Jesse Minter. The young defensive mind has been effective everywhere that he has coached. From his time at Michigan, building stout defenses rich with NFL talent, to transforming the Chargers in just two years, he looks like the complete package.
His defenses are built in a similar way to the Steelers. He is aggressive and creative at getting to the quarterback while also preaching turnover culture. While he would bring in his own offensive coordinator, he comes from a scheme that Pittsburgh has historically liked.
We saw Mike McDonald find instant success in Seattle, transforming their defense and bringing in a top offensive mind to get the best out of their unit. I have the most confidence in Minter doing that from this crop of classes. As of now, he is my early favorite to land as the head coach in 2026.