The Pittsburgh Steelers have expanded their head coaching search following Mike Tomlin's departure, requesting an interview with San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak—the eighth known candidate—and scheduling virtual meetings with Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and others. This builds on early requests for candidates like Rams DC Chris Shula amid a full staff overhaul.
Building on the initial coaching search launched after Mike Tomlin's 19-year tenure ended with an 11-6 record and first-round playoff exit, the Steelers submitted a request on January 15 to interview 49ers OC Klay Kubiak, 37, who led San Francisco to a top-10 scoring offense despite injuries. His innovative schemes, including a trick play against Philadelphia, have garnered buzz; Pittsburgh is the first team to pursue him for a head job.
Virtual interviews begin Friday with Packers DC Jeff Hafley, followed by Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and Rams DC Chris Shula. Further meetings include Chargers DC Jesse Minter on Saturday, with requests reportedly made for Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, Vikings DC Brian Flores, Panthers DC Ejiro Evero, and others. NFL rules require virtual format initially for playoff coaches.
All of Tomlin's assistants are free agents unless retained by the new hire, with contracts expiring soon; strength staff also won't return. The search addresses QB uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers while balancing Pittsburgh's defensive tradition with offensive prospects like Kubiak.
With nine NFL head coaching vacancies, the Steelers' roster and history make it a prime job, targeting a hire by late February.
