The grind never stops for NFL franchises. And if you’re wearing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ shoes this offseason, the pace feels even faster. An identity shift following Mike Tomlin’s departure has left Art Rooney II and Omar Khan searching for just the fourth head coach in franchise history. That alone was taxing.
Then on Thursday, the Baltimore Ravens announced they had hired former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, filling the head coaching vacancy created by the stunning dismissal of John Harbaugh. A week after Baltimore dumped its Head Coach, Tomlin officially stepped away in Pittsburgh.
The timing felt intentional, even if it wasn’t. Just like that, the AFC North welcomed the birth of a new coaching rivalry—one that immediately added pressure for Pittsburgh to fill their vacancy with swift intention.
Minter brings a fresh defensive mind into Baltimore, and while he adjusts to his new role, Pittsburgh felt the urgency to counter—not reactively, but decisively.
On Saturday, Pittsburgh announced their decision to make Mike McCarthy their next Head Coach.
The former Super Bowl-winning Yinzer coached 18 years in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers before accepting his new role with the Steelers. His 174-112-2 record is noteworthy, but it has left fans in an uproar.
And it's even louder than the "fire-Tomlin" chants.
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't think they could take their sweet time making a Head Coach decision
Competition is real in AFC North. That's why fans pleaded for the front office to considera staff change. Another early post-season exit was enough to lose love for Mike Tomlin. Despite his success and dedication to the Black and Gold.
At the end of his tenure, Tomlin earned a 193-114-2 record leading the Steelers.
This is why the news surrounding McCarthy's partnership with Pittsburgh is not enough to run through a wall. Other candidates existed, and quality ones at that. Chris Shula, Anthony Weaver, and Brian Flores have all impressed during interviews. Each brought a defensive background, which feels increasingly important given how Pittsburgh stumbled on that side of the ball in uncharacteristic ways.
In 2025, Pittsburgh ranked 24th in opponent pass play percentage, allowing teams to throw on them at will. The secondary struggled to close games. And when opponents opted to run, they averaged 4.3 yards per carry—good for just 18th in the league.
It's hard to say McCarthy's presence changes this next season. And with the Rams in the playoffs still, it's obvious that Rooney II and Omar Khan did not want to wait until mid-February for conversations to intensify with Shula.
Pittsburgh needed a coach, and McCarthy was the shiniest candidate moving. I believe Baltimore’s decision to hire Minter sends a clear message. In a division built on physicality and disruption, defense still matters. Minter will be a rookie Head Coach for an explosive franchise. His front office welcomed the idea of innovation with open arms. The Steelers could not just stand still.
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The Ravens recognized their slip and acted swiftly. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, got lost in the Head Coach pool. Initially, they balanced patience with urgency with a deep, intentional process with candidates that could've defined the next decade. But instead, the Steelers decided to stick with familiar.
Minter’s arrival in Baltimore doesn’t mean Pittsburgh should panic. But it should sharpen the focus. The AFC North isn’t slowing down, and neither is the league. Mike McCarthy's hire is news. Only time will tell if it is good or bad.
Regardless, it's clear Pittsburgh must reestablish a defensive backbone, and signal that the Steelers are ready to lead again—not chase.
That sounds like a defensive minded leader.
The message to the front office is clear. Make the right decision. But understand this: Mike McCarthy's clock is ticking, and the rivalry just entered a new chapter.