Mike Tomlin steps down: The 5 most intriguing candidates to replace legendary Steelers coach
After 19 seasons, Mike Tomlin's run with the Pittsburgh Steelers is over. Tomlin stepped down Tuesday, putting the Steelers in an incredibly rare situation this offseason: in need of a new head coach.
It marks just the third time since 1969 the Steelers will look to bring in a new head coach. The team has developed a reputation for making the right call there. After being hired in 1969, Chuck Noll coached the team through the 1991 season, winning four Super Bowls along the way. He was replaced by Bill Cowher, who coached the team from 1992 to 2006 and brought home a Super Bowl title of his own. That paved the way for Tomlin, who - in addition to winning a Super Bowl - never posted a losing season with the franchise.
Given that history, a lot rides on the Steelers to once again make the right call this offseason. In a season that has already seen major turnover in the coaching ranks, here are five of the most intriguing candidates who could replace Tomlin in Pittsburgh.
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John HarbaughMost recent role: Baltimore Ravens head coach (193-124 record over 18 seasons, including playoffs)
Why it's an intriguing hire for Pittsburgh: Prior to the Tomlin news, Harbaugh's firing was easily the most shocking coaching move of the offseason. Given all Harbaugh's success in Baltimore, the 63-year-old is expected to be the best option on the market. Harbaugh certainly has a lot of familiarity with the Steelers, having coached at least two games against the team per season over the last 18 years. He's also experienced plenty of success within the AFC North, leading the Ravens to 12 playoff appearances during his tenure. Transitioning to a team within the division would likely make things easier for Harbaugh, who already knows how to game plan against the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. Like Tomlin, Harbaugh is known as a strong motivator who can get the most out of his players. Hiring Harbaugh would also do quite a bit to stoke the rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers, making it one of the most fun options available.
Why it doesn't make sense: Given the longevity of the previous three Steelers head coaches, the team will likely go much younger than the 63-year-old Harbaugh. Noll was 37 when he was hired and Cowher and Tomlin were both 34. If the Steelers are hoping their next head coach hangs around for the next two decades, Harbaugh isn't the most logical choice. While Harbaugh experienced plenty of success in Baltimore, he was fired - in part - for his inability to push the team further in the playoffs, one of the biggest criticisms Tomlin faced during his final seasons with the Steelers.
Most recent role: Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator (led team to two top-10 defensive finishes)
Why it's an intriguing hire for Pittsburgh: Flores is one of the few candidates on the market with actual ties to Pittsburgh. After being fired by the Miami Dolphins following the 2021 NFL season, Flores joined Tomlin's staff in Pittsburgh, serving as the team's linebackers coach and senior defensive assistant. He left after just one year to join the Vikings. Though Flores' tenure with the Dolphins ended in controversy - and a lawsuit - he led a franchise that's been largely moribund this century to two winning seasons in three years. In his final year in Miami, Flores' Dolphins started the year 1-7 before rallying to finish the season 9-8, proving that he's capable of overcoming tough situations.
Why it doesn't make sense: Flores received some harsh criticism from at least one extremely notable player on the Dolphins after the coach was fired. That would be quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who ripped Flores' coaching style, calling him a "terrible person." Flores, to his credit, handled that criticism well, saying it made him reflect on how he could grow from it and be a better coach. There's also the issue of Flores' lawsuit, which is still ongoing. While the Steelers were willing to bring Flores is as a defensive assistant with the lawsuit pending, the issue would receive far more attention and coverage if Flores becomes a head coach again.
Most recent role: Notre Dame head coach (43-12 record in over five seasons)
Why it's an intriguing hire for Pittsburgh: Freeman is arguably the biggest name in college football who is drawing legitimate NFL interest. He's been excellent at Notre Dame, and while Freeman already stated his desire to return to South Bend in 2026 - and reportedly received a better contract to stick around - there were rumors even before Tomlin stepped down that NFL teams were still pursuing him. Given the prestige and longevity the Steelers' role offers, perhaps that would be enough to get Freeman to change his mind and hop to the pros.
Why it doesn't make sense: Freeman would represent a big-name hire, and that's not the way the Steelers have operated in the past, albeit, in an extremely small sample. Tomlin in particular wasn't a big name when hired, having just one year under his belt as a defensive coordinator before he was brought in. While the 40-year-old Freeman has experienced plenty of success in college, he's never coached in the NFL. The transition could prove to be too big a jump, and if the Steelers want a long-term option, gambling on whether Freeman can make that shift is extremely risky.
Most recent role: Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator (led team to two top-10 defensive finishes)
Why it's an intriguing hire for Pittsburgh: What did Noll, Cowher and Tomlin all have in common when they were hired by the Steelers? They were all young, defensive-minded coaches who were ready for the next gig. Minter fits that criteria perfectly, and is one of the most in-demand coaches on the market this offseason. All eight NFL teams with head-coach vacancies reportedly asked to interview Minter, and the Steelers could wind up being the ninth. In his two seasons as defensive coordinator, Minter's Chargers led the league in points against in 2024 and have confused plenty of offenses with their disguises, pressures and general difficulty to play against.
Why it doesn't make sense: Noll, Cowher and Tomlin all worked out well, but that doesn't mean the Steelers need to perfectly try to recreate those hires in 2025. While Minter has an impressive resume and is in demand, there's an argument to be made that the Steelers are in need of a more offensive-minded coach with the team's quarterback spot in flux. Aaron Rodgers' future was in question even before Tomlin stepped down, meaning the team will either find another stopgap veteran or spend a draft pick on a prospect. Having a strong offensive mind running things could prove to be more beneficial in the long run, as lack of offense is what has held the team back in recent years.
Most recent role: Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator (team ranked No. 3 in points scored in 2025)
Why it's an intriguing hire for Pittsburgh: Kubiak is essentially Minter, but on the offensive side of the ball. After abbreviated runs with the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, Kubiak found his stride in Seattle, lifting the team's offense to third in points per game and securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Kubiak received high marks for getting another strong season out of Sam Darnold, who joined the team on a notable free-agent deal after turning his career around in Minnesota. Kubiak has a pedigree within the game, with his father, Gary, being a successful NFL coach and his brother, Klay, serving as the San Francisco 49ers' offensive coordinator.
Why it doesn't make sense: The Steelers have shown a preference for defensive-minded head coaches the last three times they've made hire. Again, it's a small sample, but the team does seem to have a type. While Kubiak excelled with the Seahawks in 2025, he lasted just one season with both the Vikings and Saints previously. Kubiak wasn't brought back by Minnesota after the team fired Mike Zimmer and then lost his job in New Orleans after Dennis Allen was let go. His numbers with those two teams weren't particularly impressive, as the Vikings ranked 14th in points for in 2021 and the Saints ranked 24th in points for in 2024. The Steelers would have to be willing to put a lot of faith on Kubiak's performance this season to feel he's the right guy to lead the team for years to come.