Steelers' Top Potential Head Coach Options

In a stunning turn of events, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is stepping down after 19 seasons in charge, according to multiple reports. The Steelers were defeated 30-6 by the Houston Texans in an AFC Wild-Card Round on Monday. Tomlin has decided to step away after yet another postseason shortcoming.

Tomlin leaves Pittsburgh with an all-time record of 193-114-2. He's tied for ninth all-time in regular-season wins alongside fellow Steelers coaching legend Chuck Noll. Cracks in Tomlin's foundation had begun showing in recent years. The Steelers have lost five consecutive Wild-Card games dating back to 2020, and haven't won a playoff game since 2016.

The Steelers will now be searching for just their fourth head coach since 1969, with Bill Cowher, Noll, and Tomlin each lasting between 15 and 23 campaigns. The definition of a stable and consistent organization with a tradition of winning, the Steelers could vault to the top of every available candidate's wishlist. We've identified three potential options.

Jesse Minter, Chargers DC

Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is officially the most popular candidate on the market. He'd previously received requests to speak with all eight NFL teams with a head coaching vacancy. You can wager that the Steelers will become the ninth.

The NFL views Minter as an ascending coach. He's worked under both John and Jim Harbaugh at Michigan and with the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers know Minter well from his time in the AFC North with the Ravens. He's only coached in the NFL for six total seasons, but possesses a wealth of collegiate coaching experience on his resume in addition. Remember, Tomlin only had one year of defensive coordinating experience (Vikings, 2006) when the Steelers appointed him.

Chris Shula, Rams DC

If the Steelers go the first-time route, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula and Minter should be the top candidates. The Steelers appreciate tradition, culture, and winning. Shula hails from the NFL's most legendary family as the grandson of Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame head coach Don Shula.

Becoming a head coach isn't Shula's birthright, though. He's overseeing a legitimate Rams defense that has done an incredible job retooling personnel through the draft following Aaron Donald's retirement. Shula initially joined the Rams as a low-level assistant position coach in 2017, and Sean McVay made him earn various promotions before finally making him DC in 2024. He's the next McVay-tree coach to get an opportunity.

Brian Flores, Vikings DC

The Steelers have always preferred a coach with a strong personality capable of setting a standard and building the culture. They had an incredibly intriguing candidate in their building just a few years ago. Current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was the Steelers' linebacker coach (and senior defensive assistant) in 2022.

Flores rehabilitated his reputation in Pittsburgh under Tomlin after a failed stint as the Dolphins' head coach. Since joining Minnesota, he's helped transform the Vikings' defense into a perennially great unit. Flores' contract is expiring, and he's already garnered interest from the Steelers' arch-rival, the Baltimore Ravens, for their head coaching vacancy.