Steelers have a clear deadline regarding when they expect to name their next head coach following Mike Tomlin’s resignation
The Steelers will leave no stone unturned, and that may take some time.
When you start a coaching search for the first time in nearly two decades, it’s clear that there will be no rush. The Pittsburgh Steelers will cast the widest net we have seen in years, as they aim to keep their coaching continuity streak alive and well.
So how long are we talking? We know there are a few obvious candidates after Mike Tomlin’s bombshell decision, and we know the Steelers have been studying one name for a while. So are we talking days, weeks or months? Art Rooney has named one date in particular.
Steelers aim to have their next head coach in place by the start of NFL Combine
Art Rooney confirmed to the media during his Tuesday press conference on the Steelers’ YouTube channel that the team wants to have their head coach in place by the start of the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. If you wondering when the Combine starts? It’s slated to begin Monday, Feb. 23 and run through Mar. 2.
Meaning that would be five weeks from the time that Mike Tomlin resigned. Typically, teams taking rounds on the coaching carousel like to have their head coaches in place by the time the Senior Bowl begins, which begins this year on Jan. 26.
Well, as of publish time, there are nine head coaching vacancies in the NFL, and none of them have been filled. In fact, the Steelers just started the interview process with a pair of Rams assistants.
Steelers request interviews with Nate Scheelhaase, Chris Shula
“The Pittsburgh Steelers first known head coach interview request is for Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, per source. Baltimore, Cleveland and Las Vegas also have requested interviews with him during this hiring cycle. Steelers also have requested a head coach interview with LA’s defensive coordinator Chris Shula, per source.” – Adam Schefter, ESPN
The Rams’ braintrust has been one of the best in the league for some time. Scheelhasse has never been a coordinator, but Mike Tomlin was only a coordinator for a year before the Steelers hired him. Chris Shula is also young, but he comes from the defensive side of the ball and he has coordinated the Rams’ defense for some time.
Expect many more interviews to come from the Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers News
Steelers have been keeping tabs on one particular head coaching candidate for weeks in preparation of Mike Tomlin’s departure
There is an early favorite for the Steelers’ head coaching vacancy.
