In shocking fashion after the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers were left to find a new head coach for the first time since 2007. Mike Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons with the Steelers, and with a massive need at QB, the team faces new instability.
Finding the next head coach to lead the Steelers into a new era is essential, especially for a franchise with only three head coaches since 1969.
What Did One NFL Insider Say About the Three Candidates in the Lead for Pittsburgh’s HC Opening?
With five HC jobs around the NFL filled (Tennessee Titans – Robert Saleh, New York Giants – John Harbaugh, Miami Dolphins – Jeff Hafley, Baltimore Ravens – Jesse Minter, and Atlanta Falcons – Kevin Stefanski), the Steelers are one of the five remaining openings left. With great candidates being hired by other teams, Pittsburgh must work quickly but thoughtfully to make the right decision.
Looking at the candidates available, there are still some great options, and according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Steelers are interested in three: Los Angeles Rams DC Chris Shula, Miami Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, and former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy.
“Pittsburgh likes Chris Shula and Anthony Weaver..
Mike McCarthy is definitely in play there as well”@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/fGsALEzeKm
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 23, 2026
Schefter was short and quick to the point, but it gave a great understanding of what the Steelers are thinking. Looking at the younger options, Shula (39) and Weaver (45), Pittsburgh may be trying to replicate their previous success as HC. Tomlin was 34 when he was hired in 2007; Bill Cowher was 34 when he was hired in 1992; and Chuck Noll was 37 when he was hired in 1969. Clearly, there is a pattern the Steelers love.
Weaver is a bit older, but he is still a very well-respected defensive coach and is only 45. It makes sense why he is a top candidate, but Shula may be just a bit better candidate for the Steelers. Before Tomlin was hired, he was a defensive coordinator, and as we know, he was only 34. Shula leads a dynamic Rams defense (5th in PFSN’s Defensive Impact Metric), is only 39, and adds the benefit of having coached under Rams HC Sean McVay since 2017.
The other candidate Schefter pointed out was McCarthy, and although this completely breaks the age trend, he makes sense for the Steelers. McCarthy has shown the ability to bring consistency to franchises, and if that’s what Pittsburgh values, he would be the low-risk hire.
