Mike Tomlin steps down: Who will be the Steelers’ next head coach?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially in the market for a new head coach after Mike Tomlin stepped down following a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs. With Tomlin’s resignation, Pittsburgh is now looking for just its fourth head coach in more than five decades.

It marks the end of an era in western Pennsylvania. After 19 seasons on the Steelers sideline, Tomlin chose to walk away after one of the most painful playoff defeats of his tenure, a one-sided loss that accelerated major questions about the franchise’s direction.

A rare moment of change in Pittsburgh

Steelers president Art Rooney II now faces a task the organization almost never undertakes. Since 1969, Pittsburgh has had only three head coaches: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin. That continuity is one of the defining traits of the franchise, making this search especially significant.

Almost immediately after Tomlin’s decision became public, speculation began to swirl about who could replace the Super Bowl-winning coach. One high-profile name quickly surfaced.

John Harbaugh, a longtime rival of Tomlin during his years with the Baltimore Ravens, has emerged as a potential option after parting ways with Baltimore. The idea of Harbaugh patrolling the Steelers sideline would be a stunning twist in one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries.

Other options for the Steelers

Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator

Flores is expected to be a serious candidate. Minnesota finished as the NFL’s third-best defense in yards allowed this season, trailing only Houston and Denver. Flores has head coaching experience and carries a tough, defense-first profile that aligns with traditional Steelers football.

Antwaan Randle El, Bears wide receivers coach

If Pittsburgh wants someone with deep organizational ties, Randle El stands out. A former Steelers Super Bowl hero, he has earned praise for his work developing receivers with the Chicago Bears and would represent a homegrown option.

Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator

Saleh’s stint as head coach of the New York Jets was underwhelming, but his reputation as a defensive coordinator remains elite. His work with San Francisco has been exceptional, and many around the league believe he deserves another opportunity as a head coach.

College football interest and emerging NFL names

Marcus Freeman was also on the Steelers’ radar, even before the playoffs. However, the Notre Dame head coach has committed to staying in college football, removing him from consideration.

Other names that could draw interest include Chris Shula, defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks.

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