For the first time since 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers are navigating unfamiliar terrain: a head‑coaching search. Mike Tomlin’s departure closes a chapter defined by stability unmatched across the league. Three coaches in 55 years is a point of pride in Pittsburgh, but it also means the organization rarely operates in this mode. The Rooney family now faces a defining decision about the direction of the franchise, its identity, and the type of leadership that will guide the next era of Steelers football.
The early interview requests reveal a wide net. Pittsburgh is evaluating established defensive coordinators, rising schematic minds, and younger assistants who represent the league’s next wave of innovation. The list leans heavily toward defense — unsurprising given the franchise’s historical DNA — but also includes a notable offensive outlier, signaling openness to philosophical change.
Sites such as Lucky Rebel Football currently place the Steelers odds of hiring the Rams coordinators or current Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores as the most likely. However, the team will still give each coach an interview and go through the process before making a formal decision.
Below is a deeper look at every candidate the Steelers have formally requested to meet with so far, and what each could bring to the job.
Ejiro Evero — Panthers Defensive Coordinator
Ejiro Evero has become one of the NFL’s most respected defensive architects in a remarkably short time. His work with the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers has showcased his ability to build structure, teach technique, and elevate players even in difficult circumstances.
Evero’s defenses are known for tight coverage rules, disciplined spacing, and adaptability — traits that align with Pittsburgh’s long‑standing emphasis on detail and physicality.
Despite Carolina’s record, the Panthers’ defense steadily improved into one of the best units in the second half of the 2025 season. Evero’s unit consistently played above its talent level, making him a compelling candidate for a team seeking a modernized defensive vision without abandoning its roots.
Brian Flores — Vikings Defensive Coordinator
Flores is the most familiar name on the list, and arguably the most seamless cultural fit. His 2022 season in Pittsburgh left a strong impression on players and staff, and his work in Minnesota has only strengthened his résumé.
The Vikings’ defense transformed into an aggressive, unpredictable group under his direction, built on pressure, disguise, and situational mastery. Flores brings head‑coaching experience, including two of three winning seasons with the Miami Dolphins. His commanding presence and leadership style resonates in locker rooms.
If the Steelers want continuity in tone and standards while still embracing fresh ideas, Flores stands out as a natural option.
Jeff Hafley — Packers Defensive Coordinator
Jeff Hafley’s path is different from most candidates on this list. After years as a respected NFL assistant, he transitioned to college and eventually became Boston College’s head coach before returning to the league in 2024.
That blend of experiences — NFL technician, college program leader, and now Green Bay’s defensive coordinator — gives him a broad perspective on player development and organizational structure.
Hafley’s defenses emphasize communication, secondary discipline, and sound fundamentals. He represents a steady, detail‑oriented candidate with experience managing the full scope of a team.
Klay Kubiak — 49ers Offensive Coordinator
Klay Kubiak comes from one of the league’s most respected coaching families and has carved out his own path within Kyle Shanahan’s system. After working his way up through San Francisco’s staff, he now helps guide one of the NFL’s most efficient, quarterback‑friendly offenses.
Kubiak’s background includes player development, detailed game‑planning, and a deep understanding of the motion‑heavy, matchup‑driven structure that defines the 49ers’ attack. His candidacy represents a potential shift toward offensive innovation, with an emphasis on adaptability, creativity, and maximizing skill‑position talent.
Jesse Minter — Chargers Defensive Coordinator
Few coaches have risen faster than Jesse Minter. His work at the University of Michigan, culminating in a national championship run, showcased his ability to build versatile, matchup‑driven defenses capable of adjusting week to week.
Minter worked with both John and Jim Harbaugh, the latter of whom brought him from the college ranks to the pros. Minter’s transition to the Los Angeles Chargers brought that same adaptability to the NFL level.
Minter is known for meticulous preparation, strong player relationships, and a modern approach to defensive problem‑solving. For a franchise looking to blend tradition with forward‑thinking strategy, he offers a compelling mix of youth, intellect, and proven results.
Nate Scheelhaase — Rams Passing Game Coordinator
Scheelhaase is the most unconventional candidate in the group, and that alone makes his inclusion notable. At just 34 years of age, he’s part of Sean McVay’s offensive brain trust — a pipeline that has produced multiple head coaches.
His work in the Rams’ passing game emphasizes spacing, timing, and quarterback‑friendly design, all areas where Pittsburgh has struggled in recent years.
While he lacks the traditional résumé of a head‑coaching candidate, including play calling as a coordinator, his presence signals that the Steelers are at least exploring the possibility of a philosophical pivot toward offensive innovation and long‑term upside.
Chris Shula — Rams Defensive Coordinator
Chris Shula is another intriguing name who has climbed steadily through the Rams’ organization, earning respect for his communication skills, versatility, and ability to connect with players. His background spans linebackers, secondary work, and front‑seven design, giving him a holistic understanding of defensive construction.
Chris also has a family with deep ties to coaching at the highest levels, as the grandson of the legendary Don Shula, son of former Bengals head coach David Shula, and nephew of long-time NFL offensive assistant and former Alabama head coach Mike Shula.
Under McVay, he’s been exposed to a collaborative, detail‑driven environment that values adaptability and teaching. Shula represents the type of rising leader who could grow into the role while bringing a modern defensive lens to a franchise built on that side of the ball.
Anthony Weaver — Dolphins Defensive Coordinator
Anthony Weaver has long been viewed as a future head coach. His résumé includes a seven-year career as a player, alongside 15-plus seasons of defensive line work, assistant head‑coach responsibilities, and a coordinator role in Miami.
Weaver has played or worked under great coaching minds such as Gary Kubiak, Brian Billick, John Harbaugh, Rex Ryan, Mike McDaniel, Bob Davie, and Bill O’Brien, among many others.
Weaver is known for his presence, his ability to command a room, and his skill in developing front‑seven talent. His experience across multiple organizations — including Baltimore, Houston, and Miami — gives him a broad understanding of different team‑building philosophies. He brings toughness, clarity, and a leadership style that players consistently respond to.