A job has been open only three times in the franchise’s history: the Pittsburgh Steelers head coaching position. With Mike Tomlin stepping down, it’s a weird time for Steeler Nation. They have only had three head coaches in their history, and it’s time for the fourth. With all the candidates that are in the air, let’s dive into my top three candidates for the position.
3. Former Steelers Rival, Chargers’ DC Jesse Minter
The Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, has been among the names the Steelers have requested to interview. He’s been an excellent DC in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers for the past two seasons. In 2024, his defense ranked as the best scoring defense. Last season, they took a slight step off, but still ranked 9th.
It’s not as if the Chargers had the ’85 Bears out there. Sure, they had Derwin James Jr., Khalil Mack, and Joey Bosa two years ago, but most of it was about elevating players past their potential. Players such as Tuli Tuipulotu are great but need coaching to be considered above average or elite. Minter also knows the AFC North, as he was the Baltimore Ravens‘ defensive assistant and defensive backs coach from 2017 to 2020.
2. Former Steelers’ Defensive Assistant, Vikings’ DC Brian Flores
Brian Flores is another coach that Pittsburgh has requested to interview for their head coaching job. Flores isn’t a stranger to the franchise; he served as the team’s linebackers coach/senior defensive assistant. After the 2022 season, he traveled north to take the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator position and excelled.
In his first season as DC, the Vikings‘ defense was immediately above average, ranking 13th in points allowed per game. To put it into perspective, the season prior, they ranked 28th—a massive jump. The following two years were even better, ranking 5th and 7th in the NFL. When you have that brilliant a defensive mind, you want to show it off. Flores not only showed it off but also flourished in the role, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he will return to a head-coaching role in the near future.
1. Dream Scenario, Rams’ DC Chris Shula
As a Steelers fan, this is who I want. Not only for the job I believe he can do, but also who else he will probably bring with him. The Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, Chris Shula, has been all over LA’s staff for the past nine seasons. He’s coached everything from linebackers to pass rush coordinator to defensive backs to passing game coordinator. For the past two seasons, he’s been the team’s defensive coordinator.
Considering the spending the Rams do, or don’t do, he’s done a remarkable job. They have spent the least amount of their salary cap on the defensive side of the ball over the past two seasons and have ranked 17th and 10th in points allowed per game. Not only is he a great coach, but I believe he will bring Rams’ passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase with him as his offensive coordinator.
Final Thoughts
With Mike Tomlin stepping down as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach, it’s an interesting time to be a Steeler fan. For most fans, their next head coach will be the third coach they’ve ever seen. Who do you think the Steelers will bring in to be the next leader of the team?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and opinions on who the top three candidates the Pittsburgh Steelers should bring in to be their next Head Coach. Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
