The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering some rare air as they attempt to find their next head coach. Less than 24 hours after the team fell in the Wild Card Round at home to the Houston Texans, long-time Head Coach Mike Tomlin called a team meeting and informed the players he would be stepping down. Stars such as TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Aaron Rodgers were stunned and saddened by the announcement, but expressed understanding and respect for Tomlin’s decision, recognizing the remarkable tenure he has had with the franchise.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin greets fans after a win against the Browns in Week 14 of 2024.
Now, the Steelers have officially begun the search process, conducting interviews with several potential successors. Reports indicate the organization is particularly interested in two members of the Los Angeles Rams’ staff: Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula and Passing Game Coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. Both have impressed in their respective roles, with Shula known for his defensive acumen and Scheelhaase gaining a reputation for innovative offensive strategies.
One pundit closely connected to the Rams, Jake Oliver Ellenbogen, recently weighed in on the debate, suggesting that Scheelhaase might be the stronger candidate for the Steelers’ head coaching vacancy. Ellenbogen went so far as to say that Scheelhaase is “the closest thing to Sean McVay,” a compliment that immediately drew attention given McVay’s status as one of the league’s brightest coaching minds. If the Steelers were to pursue Scheelhaase, it could signal a bold shift toward a modern, high-powered offense while maintaining the franchise’s competitive identity.
"If you're looking for the next Sean McVay, [Nate] Scheelhaase is the closest thing," Ellenbogen said.
That’s an interesting tidbit, considering the fact that the Steelers have historically prioritized defensively minded head coaches. Perhaps the organization is now starting to consider an adaptation to the modern NFL, where offensive-minded coaches have increasingly become a commodity.
Kyusung Gong / ap photo
Los Angeles Rams Pass Game Coordinator Nate Scheelhaase throws the ball before an NFL preseason football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif.
In today’s league, it is largely about the personnel in place. If you hire an offensive-minded head coach who surrounds himself with the right coordinators and staff, the overall philosophy does not matter as much. Success becomes a product of structure and execution.
For example, look at what McVay has done with the Rams. As an offensive-minded coach, he has taken the league by storm with his innovative schemes and play-calling, yet he ensures the defensive side of the ball is strong by placing the right staff in key positions. That has often been a critique of Tomlin’s tenure. Despite his success, he sometimes struggled to assemble the ideal staff around him over the past decade, whether with coordinators like Arthur Smith, Matt Canada, or Teryl Austin.
Steelers May Be Looking To Go In A Bold New Direction With Next Head Coach
If the Steelers were to hire someone like Scheelhaase, it could signal a bold new direction for the franchise. Moving toward an offensive-minded head coach does not mean abandoning their defensive identity. Rather, it could allow the team to modernize while still building on its storied foundation.
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Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula roams the sideline while coaching his unit.
The Steelers also seemed to like Shula, which fits their traditional approach much more honestly. However, a solid defensive mindset may not be enough to secure Shula if the organization believes the next McVay is lurking in the shadows. "Defense wins championships" used to be the motto, and it may still hold some truth, but for Steelers fans, it has not always felt true based on what they have experienced over the past decade in regards to their own defensive failures. Of course much of that likely falls on Austin's shoulders.
By pairing innovative offensive leadership with strong defensive personnel, the Steelers could strike the balance necessary to compete at the highest level. Ultimately, this shift reflects the league’s evolution. Flexibility, adaptability, and the right mix of coaching talent may matter more than tradition, potentially ushering in a new era of Steelers football.
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