Mike Tomlin steps down: The 5 most intriguing candidates to replace legendary Steelers coach
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter one of the most consequential offseasons in franchise history following the resignation of head coach Mike Tomlin, who concluded a 19-year tenure marked by a Super Bowl victory and zero losing seasons. This marks only the third coaching search for the organization since 1969, following the legendary tenures of Chuck Noll (1969-1991) and Bill Cowher (1992-2006). The pressure to continue a half-century of coaching excellence rests on this decision.
Here are five of the most intriguing candidates to replace Tomlin, each with distinct appeal and potential drawbacks:
1. John Harbaugh
Profile: Former Baltimore Ravens head coach (193-124 over 18 seasons).
Case For: The most accomplished candidate available, with deep AFC North expertise (12 playoff appearances) and a proven ability to motivate. His hiring would instantly intensify the Steelers-Ravens rivalry.
Case Against: At 63, he is significantly older than Noll (37), Cowher (34), and Tomlin (34) were upon hiring. His recent playoff shortcomings in Baltimore mirror criticisms Tomlin faced, and his age conflicts with the Steelers' historical preference for a long-term leader.
2. Brian Flores
Profile: Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator; former Miami Dolphins head coach.
Case For: Has direct ties to Pittsburgh from his 2022 stint on Tomlin's staff. Demonstrated turnaround capability in Miami, engineering winning seasons with a historically challenged franchise.
Case Against: His departure from Miami was marred by controversy, including a pending lawsuit and public criticism from former QB Tua Tagovailoa, which could bring unwanted scrutiny to a traditionally stable organization.
3. Marcus Freeman
Profile: Notre Dame head coach (43-12 record over five seasons).
Case For: A rising star in college football drawing NFL interest, representing a high-profile, energetic hire.
Case Against: Lacks any NFL coaching experience, making his transition a major gamble. The Steelers' past hires had NFL coordinator backgrounds, making Freeman an atypical choice for this risk-averse franchise.
4. Jesse Minter
Profile: Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator.
Case For: Fits the historic "Steelers mold": young, defensive-minded, and highly sought-after. His Chargers defenses have been elite and tactically sophisticated.
Case Against: The team's prolonged offensive struggles and uncertainty at quarterback (with Aaron Rodgers' future in doubt) might necessitate an offensive-minded leader, making Minter's defensive focus a potential misalignment.
5. Klint Kubiak
Profile: Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator (orchestrated the NFL's 3rd-ranked scoring offense in 2025).
Case For: The premier offensive candidate, credited with Seattle's surge and reviving Sam Darnold's career. Comes from a respected NFL coaching family.
Case Against: Would break a 56-year streak of hiring defensive-minded head coaches. His résumé includes unremarkable one-year stints in Minnesota and New Orleans prior to his Seattle success, raising questions about his consistency.
The Steelers' choice will define the franchise's direction for the next decade, forcing a balance between honoring a successful defensive tradition and addressing a modern need for offensive innovation.
