Steelers' Head Coaching Search May Absolutely Get Influenced By Mike Tomlin's Relationship With New Candidate

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter into a spot they haven't been in for quite some time. In fact, they haven't been in this spot many times ever. Since 1969, the Steelers have had only three head coaches, a level of stability that is almost unheard of in professional sports. That tradition makes the news of long-time head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down at the age of 53 even more significant. With Tomlin’s departure, the organization now faces the rare challenge of finding the next leader who can uphold the franchise’s standard of excellence while also bringing a new vision to the locker room.

The Steelers have already begun the interview process, and several candidates are expected to be considered seriously. However, one name may be starting in front of the eight ball due to his prior relationship and history with Tomlin. In a search that will likely involve mostly external options, relationships, credibility, and trust will matter just as much as scheme and résumé. That is especially true for a franchise that values continuity and cultural fit as much as Pittsburgh does.

In a recent article written by Steelers insider Mike DeFabo, he revealed that Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter is close with Tomlin. That does not mean Minter is going to land the job automatically, but it is well known that Owner Art Rooney II respects Tomlin’s opinions. If Rooney leans on Tomlin for guidance or perspective during this process, it is possible that Minter receives a boost because of that connection. In a search this important, even subtle advantages can make a meaningful difference.

"Coincidentally, Tomlin coached defensive backs at Cincinnati when Minter’s father, Rick, was the head coach," DeFabo revealed. "Beginning at 16 years old, Minter formed a relationship with Tomlin that remains to this day."

When Tomlin was spending time in the college ranks trying to earn his shot in the NFL, he coached under Rick Minter. 

That was when his connection to Jesse began to form at a young age, and ever since then, the two have maintained that relationship.

"I was 16 years old in high school and my parents were split up. He came in as the DB coach," Minter said. "I was a high school receiver/ DB. We really just hit it off. He took interest in me, I took interest in him. We’ve had a good relationship ever since."

It is not shocking to hear that Tomlin, even back then, was taking an interest in helping lead young men through adverse situations. He did not need to form that type of relationship with Minter, as he was a defensive backs coach, but he did because that is who he is. He wanted to help people become better men, and that commitment is exactly how he finished his career with the Steelers at the age of 53.

Steelers Fans Should Know This About Jesse Minter

It’s clear the Steelers still value a defensive-minded head coach, as that is where the bulk of their attention in this coaching search has been. Minter fits that profile. He has a strong tie to Tomlin, which may give him a slight advantage in the process. He is a rising star and a young defensive mind with championship-level experience from his time as coordinator at Michigan. His experience learning from and working with Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh is also a plus.

What’s truly exciting about Minter is that he’s known for getting results even out of less talented rosters. That has not been the case in Pittsburgh under Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin, who has had elite talent like TJ Watt and Cam Heyward, but has not consistently produced the same level of results.

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