Mike Tomlin has stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons, prompting the team to begin interviewing candidates. Among the early names linked to the vacancy is Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, whom NFL insider Albert Breer sees as a strong fit. The Steelers' search comes amid widespread coaching changes across the NFL.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new era following Mike Tomlin's decision to step down as head coach after 19 years with the franchise. Tomlin's departure came after a Wild Card Weekend loss to the Houston Texans, ending his tenure that included consistent playoff appearances but no Super Bowl wins since 2008.
The team has already requested interviews with several coordinators as part of their search for a replacement. Candidates include Nate Scheelhaase, the Rams' passing game coordinator; Chris Shula, the Rams' defensive coordinator; Anthony Weaver, the Dolphins' defensive coordinator; and Brian Flores, the Vikings' defensive coordinator.
Particular attention has fallen on Shula, grandson of legendary coach Don Shula. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, appearing on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, highlighted Shula's potential. "I heard Shula’s name connected to the Steelers before any of this happened like two, three weeks ago," Breer said. He described Shula as possessing a defensive background and commanding presence: "somebody with a defensive background who’s got real presence, who carries himself like a battleship commander who can handle the pressure of being in Pittsburgh."
Shula's coaching path includes playing college football at Miami (OH) alongside Sean McVay, followed by stints at Ball State, Indiana, and John Carroll. He entered the NFL with the Chargers as a defensive quality control coach in 2015, then joined the Rams, rising through roles like outside linebackers coach to defensive coordinator over the last two seasons. Under Shula, the Rams have remained competitive despite roster turnover.
Breer noted the Shula surname could aid in managing expectations: "having that last name probably doesn’t hurt... this is a guy who’s dealt with expectations his entire life because of that last name."
The Steelers' vacancy is one of several in the NFL, with teams like the Ravens, Falcons, and Dolphins also seeking new leaders after the 2025 season.