The Pittsburgh Steelers have requested an interview with Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver as they begin their search for a new head coach following Mike Tomlin's departure. This marks the third known candidate for the position, after assistants from the Rams. Weaver, a former Ravens player and coach, brings extensive defensive experience to the table.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are moving forward with their head coaching search after Mike Tomlin stepped down, marking the franchise's first such vacancy since 2007. On January 14, 2026, reports emerged that the team has requested permission to interview Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. "The Steelers have submitted an interview request for Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, per source," Russini posted on X. Weaver, 45, becomes the third candidate identified, following Los Angeles Rams assistants Nate Scheelhaase and Chris Shula.
Weaver's NFL journey began as a second-round draft pick defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens from 2002 to 2005. After brief stints with the Houston Texans and a transition to coaching, he served as a graduate assistant at the University of Florida and linebackers coach at North Texas. He entered the NFL as an assistant defensive line coach with the New York Jets, later working with the Cleveland Browns before his first defensive coordinator role with the Texans in 2020. Weaver returned to the Ravens as defensive line coach and run game coordinator in 2021, earning a promotion to assistant head coach in 2022. He has been the Dolphins' DC for the past two seasons.
Under Weaver, the Dolphins boasted an elite defense in 2024, ranking No. 4 in total yards allowed (314.3 per game) and No. 10 in scoring defense (21.4 points per game). However, performance declined in 2025, placing the unit in the bottom 10 in both categories. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who has since departed, criticized the defense in October 2025, stating, "There’s no if, ands, or buts about it. You don’t give up that many line-of-scrimmage yards, unless you’re uncoordinated in certain ways." Yet, McDaniel later praised Weaver's planning as "phenomenal" after a 34-10 win over the Falcons.
Interest in Weaver extends beyond Pittsburgh, with the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens also pursuing interviews. His defensive background aligns with the Steelers' tradition under coaches like Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Tomlin. As the search intensifies, more candidates are expected to surface in the coming weeks.
