Steelers’ Next Coaching Hire: A Crucial Decision
After successfully hiring three legendary head coaches since 1969, the pressure is on for the Pittsburgh Steelers to make the right choice again. With 19 years since their last coaching search, the franchise is now presented with a range of promising candidates, but the time has come to make a decision.
Among the notable names in the running are Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and former Cowboys and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.
Historical Trends and the Changing NFL
Looking back at the Steelers’ history, their three most recent head coaches—Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin—were all defensive coordinators with no previous head coaching experience. This trend has led many to believe that the franchise will again opt for a defensive-minded coach like Shula, Weaver, Evero, or Minter.
However, the NFL landscape has drastically shifted since Tomlin’s hiring in 2007. The focus of the league has moved toward offense, with rules changes after 2009 aimed at protecting players and making the game safer. As a result, the hard-hitting, defensive style that once defined the Steelers’ identity is no longer as effective, making it more difficult for a team to rely solely on defense.
The league’s emphasis on player safety, particularly the crackdown on illegal hits on defenseless players, created a disconnect between the way Tomlin coached and the direction the league was heading. In fact, Tomlin was eventually placed on the NFL’s Competition Committee to help bridge this gap.
Offensive Evolution and Future Prospects
As of 2026, it’s clear that the Steelers cannot ignore the evolution of the NFL. Their offense, which has struggled since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, needs a boost. If Pittsburgh doesn’t secure a franchise quarterback through the draft, they’ll need to either develop one from a lower draft pick or extract more from a veteran quarterback who hasn’t yet reached his full potential.
Having an offensive mastermind as head coach may be the key to this next phase. The challenge lies in finding the right balance between continuing the Steelers’ winning culture and adapting to the offensive shift in the NFL.
The McCarthy Factor
The idea of hiring Mike McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, is intriguing. However, with McCarthy at 62 years old, there’s a question of whether the Steelers want to bring in a coach with a long-term vision. Coaches like Noll (23 seasons), Cowher (15), and Tomlin (19) all began their careers in their 30s, raising questions about the long-term commitment McCarthy could offer.
Shula: The Family Connection
Chris Shula, grandson of legendary coach Don Shula, could be a natural fit for the Steelers. Don Shula’s recommendation of Chuck Noll for the Steelers’ head coach position in 1969 remains a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history. While Shula may seem like the perfect candidate, first-time coaches often face challenges transitioning from coordinators to head coaches, and it remains to be seen whether Shula can succeed in that role.
The Weight of History
Ultimately, the pressure on the Steelers is immense. Following the success of three Super Bowl-winning coaches, the team faces a unique challenge. The weight of that legacy will undoubtedly influence the decision-making process, both from the inside and outside of the organization.
