The Pittsburgh Steelers have been stuck in a very interesting situation for nearly a decade. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is often viewed as one of the best in the business, but sometimes it makes sense for two parties to breakup and part ways. That's exactly what happened on Tuesday, the the future Hall of Famer notified the team that he would be stepping down, instead of facing adversity and trying to build a championship roster for 2026. The decision leads to a massive curveball in the league's head-coaching cycle, and now Art Rooney II will be tasked with hiring the right individual to lead the collective.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Team President Art Rooney II roams the sidelines as the team warms up and gets ready to compete in a 2022 preseason matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
It is expected to be a very hectic offseason for the NFL, as several franchises are looking for someone who can help deliver a championship, or multiple. Pittsburgh will have competition, but is viewed as a top-notch destination.
I’ve already received three texts from coaches in this cycle who would want the #Steelers job, given the rich history and ownership there.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 13, 2026
In the eyes of people reacting in real time, this job is right up there with the #Ravens as the cream of the crop. https://t.co/AsJAnS6Q8o
The Steelers will not take this lightly, and there are a few coaches who deserve to be at the very top of Rooney's list. The organization cannot be afraid to not hire one of the few premier candidates on the market.
1.) Brian Flores - Minnesota Vikings
Brian Flores is just 44 years of age, and he coached in the Steel City for a season as a defensive assistant recently. Pittsburgh is known for loyalty, and a person like Flores will find a lot of value in potentially coming back to the Steel City. While there is no long-term quarterback set in stone, it has to be mentioned that Flores can lead a defense with the best of them. The Steelers have an expensive unit, the highest-paid in the league, and Flores has to appreciate that.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Steelers defensive assistant Brian Flores stands on the field as the team practices at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
2.) Chris Shula - Los Angeles Rams
One of the more popular candidates in the current head-coaching cycle is Chris Shula. He is at the top of a lot of lists, and fans can be certain that he will be receiving a request to interview in Pittsburgh. At just 39 years of age, he could end up being a leader in a locker room for a long time. The Steelers could put together a very compelling package for the Sean McVay disciple.
3.) Jesse Minter - Los Angeles Chargers
The Steelers may be better served going after an offensive-minded head coach, but why do that when there isn't even a legitimate quarterback in place? With the defense set in stone, it makes sense to bring someone in who can get the absolute best out of that unit. Jesse Minter is out of the postseason after the Los Angeles Chargers' loss, which gives him the ability to begin seeking out a possible head-coaching opportunity.
4.) Joe Brady - Buffalo Bills
Here's some offense for the fans that are desiring a mix-up from a defensive-minded head coach. Joe Brady has brought the absolute best out of Josh Allen for the Buffalo Bills, and he could be the perfect person to help develop someone like Will Howard. Brady isn't the only current offensive coordinator who could find his way onto the Steelers' list.
5.) Klint Kubiak - Seattle Seahawks
Pittsburgh has always loved NFL connections. Klint Kubiak's father coached in the league for several years, and while the Seattle Seahawks' mastermind is focused on the playoffs currently, he is a very intriguing name. The Steelers would be wise to request an interview and determine if he is ready to be a head coach as soon as the 2026 campaign.
Stacy Bengs / Associated Press
Then-Minnesota Vikings coach Klint Kubiak walks on the field prior to a professional football game.
6.) Marcus Freeman - Notre Dame
While Marcus Freeman has expressed his desire to stay at Note Dame, he will remain a dark-horse candidate for Pittsburgh until a hire commences. He is known as a top-notch leader, and that is a very specific trait the Steelers will be looking for when it comes to the franchise's next head coach. Money talks, and it will be fascinating to see if Rooney wants to pay up for one of college's very best coaches.
Steelers May Get Too Comfortable And Hire Arthur Smith
Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith completed his second season with Pittsburgh and the loss to the Houston Texans has clearly brought questions. Smith is likely to get an interview with Rooney, but he doesn't have a great track record as a head coach, having a very questionable stint with the Atlanta Falcons. He is only 43 years old, and could stay around for a while if success comes from his hypothetical promotion.
Who do you think the Steelers need to hire in the coming weeks? Let us know in the comments below!
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