The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a couple of legendary coaches in Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher, but a case can be made that Mike Tomlin is the best the franchise has ever had. He has the most wins in Steelers history (193) and the best win percentage (.628). Furthermore, he has been one of the NFL’s best coaches over the last two decades, especially since he has a Super Bowl victory on his resume.
However, there is no denying their last championship was close to 20 years ago, or the fact that Tomlin has not led his team to a playoff W since 2017. It is why there has been speculation for weeks that the Steelers could move on from the coach after 19 seasons. Well, the rumors became a reality on Tuesday when it was reported that the 53-year-old has officially stepped down as head coach.
With the Steelers now looking for just their fourth coach since 1969, we offer up five potential options to replace Mike Tomlin.
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator
Despite an ugly lawsuit with the NFL after being fired by the Dolphins five years ago, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has completely rebuilt his reputation. He is viewed as one of the best defensive play callers and strategists in the game after turning the Vikings into one of the better defensive units in the NFL the last two years.
Flores is smart, has previous head coach experience, and is still only in his early 40s. He will certainly be a top candidate if the Steelers fire Mike Tomlin.
Robert Saleh, San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator
After a disappointing three and a half year run with the New York Jets, it looked like it would take a very long time before Robert Saleh got a real chance at another head coaching job. However, in just one season back as the San Francisco 49ers‘ DC, he has become one of the hottest candidates on the market this year.
It is understandable why, because he took over a ‘9ers defense ravaged by offseason exits and season-ending injuries to top players in 2025. Yet they were one of the best units in the league and are a major reason why they are a Super Bowl contender this month. If he could handle the NYC spotlight, he could handle the pressure of replacing Tomlin.
Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator
The PIT Steelers are a franchise that likes stability. Sure, they could completely clean house of Tomlin and his staff. However, the majority of this group has still led the team to three straight 10-win seasons. So, it wouldn’t be shocking if they just made a change at the top and kept much of the current staff.
That is why offensive coordinator Arthur Smith could be an option. Although he failed, he does have previous head coach experience (with the Atlanta Falcons). Furthermore, it wasn’t long ago when he was seen as one of the best offensive minds in the sport. While he hasn’t blown fans away in Pittsburgh, with better weapons on offense, he could. If he landed the top job, you can bet improving the offense would be a top offseason priority.
Mike McDaniel, Former Miami Dolphins Head Coach
While his final seasons in Miami were disastrous, there are still many around the league who hold the offensive strategies of former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel in high regard. It is why he will get a lot of interviews for head coach or offensive coordinator jobs in the weeks ahead.
Pivoting to an offensive guru after decades of defensive-minded coaches leading the team would not be a surprise if the Steelers moved on from Mike Tomlin. If the team did target players like Malik Willis or Kyler Murray to replace Aaron Rodgers this season, McDaniel could turn them into the long-term QB Pittsburgh has badly lacked for years.
Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams Offensive Coordinator
The PIT Steelers like hiring coaches at a very young age so they can hold the job for a couple of decades. Noll, Cowher, and Tomlin were all in their late 30s when they became the franchise’s head coach. That is why Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula could be an intriguing option.
The 39-year-old has emerged as one of the league’s best play callers on defense and has sat under the Sean McVay learning tree for quite some time. What also makes him interesting is potentially bringing McVay disciples with him to Pittsburgh. Plus, coaching is in his blood as the grandson of the NFL’s winningest coach, Don Shula.
