The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for a head coach for the first time since 2007 and just the fourth time since 1969, as head coach Mike Tomlin resigned on Tuesday,
Steelers president Art Rooney II will lead the search, along with assistance from general manager Omar Khan , and they expect the process to take several weeks. The Steelers can start in-person interviews right away with coaches from non-playoff teams, and those without a current job, while they'll have to wait until Jan. 19, for playoff coaches that don't make the conference championship game, and until the week before the Super Bowl for those that do. In the meantime, those coaches can do virtual interviews.
Rooney said the Steelers will not be constrained in what type of coach they interview, but the last three coaches they've hired — two Hall of Famers and one sure to join the others — were all 30-something, first-time NFL head coaches who were most recently NFL defensive coordinators. That's a pretty strong type, and it happens to be a fairly deep pool of candidates that are similar to the coaches the Steelers have hired in the past.
Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on November 9, 2025. Mandatory Credit: — Kyle Terada/Imagn Images
The Steelers love their NFL bloodlines, though as far as I can tell, they've never hired a second-generation head coach. Chris Shula will be the third of his family to take the job if he lands a role. The grandson of Hall of Famer Don Shula, Chris' father Dave Shula also coached for the Cincinnati Bengals
.
Shula has quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after candidates in this hiring cycle. Now in his second season as the Rams' defensive coordinator, he has overseen a unit that has consistently overachieved relative to personnel, blending discipline with creative pressure packages.
Shula, 39, just finished his second season as the Rams' defensive coordinator. He won Super Bowl LVI there as a linebackers coach and has been with L.A. since 2017. Before that, he coached with the Chargers, and at John Carroll, Indiana and Ball State at the collegiate level.
According to Albert Breer, Shula has interviewed with the Steelers, Baltimore Ravens , Miami Dolphins , Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals . The Cleveland Browns requested to talk to him, too, but it appears he turned them down.
Latest: Steelers must wait a week to interview Shula, Scheelhaase in person
• Steelers cut the line, one of three to schedule interview with Shula.
• Virtual interview scheduled for Friday, Jan. 16
. • Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 14.
• Shula appears to have turned down Browns
Resume:2024-25 Rams defensive coordinator; 2017-23 Rams pass rush coordinator, linebackers coach assistant; 2015-16 Chargers assistant; 2014 John Carroll defensive coordinator; 2011-13 Indiana assistant; 2010 Ball State assistant
Other interviews:Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans
, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens
Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Dec 7, 2025. — Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images
Nate Scheelhaase is the latest offensive coach to come out of the well-worn Sean McVay coaching tree, including current NFL head coaches Zac Taylor, Matt LaFleur, Kevin O'Connell and Liam Coen.
Scheelhaase, 35, is in his first season as the Rams' passing game coordinator. Before that, he spent one season as an offensive assistant in LA.
A Davenport, Iowa native, Scheelhaase was a college quarterback at Illinois, throwing for over 8,000 yards in his time with the Fighting Illini from 2009-13, and was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in his senior year. He holds the Illinois records for career passing yards and season completion percentage.
Latest: Report: Scheelhaase blew Steelers away in virtual interview
. • Steelers must wait a week to interview Shula, Scheelhaase in person.
• Virtual interview scheduled for Friday, Jan. 16
. • Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 14.
• Browns plan on interviewing again, in person
Resume:2024-25 Rams assistant, passing game coordinator; 2018-23 Iowa State running backs coach, wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator; 2015-17 Illinois assistant, running backs coach.
Other interviews:Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, several offensive coordinator positions. The Browns plan on setting up a second, in-person interview with Scheelhaase.
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter watches during organized team activities at The Bolt in El Segundo, California on Jun 16, 2025. — Kirby Lee/Imagn Images
There isn't a candidate more like Bill Cowher in this pool than Minter. Cowher was an up-and-coming young coach with the Cleveland Browns, was a part of some Cleveland teams than tortured the Steelers, and then left to take a promotion with the Kansas City Chiefs before the Steelers hired him.
Minter was an assistant coach with the Ravens from 2017-20 before going to the college ranks to become defensive coordinator at Michigan. He followed Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers last year and is already considered to be one of the top coaching candidates for the Ravens job.
Minter, 42, is a rising candidate in this year's coaching carousel. The Chargers defense significantly improved in the 2025 season under Minter, ranking seventh in total yards allowed and near the top in key metrics like passing touchdowns allowed (5th) and EPA per play (7th).
Latest: The Ravens are zeroing in on hiring Minter
. • Virtual interview scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17.
• Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 14
• Browns plan on interviewing again, in person
Resume:2024-25 Chargers defensive coordinator; 2022-23 Michigan defensive coordinator; 2021 Vanderbilt defensive coordinator; 2017-20 Ravens assistant, defensive backs coach; 2013-16 Georgia State defensive coordinator; 2009-12 Indiana State linebackers coach, defensive coordinator; 2007-18 Cincinnati assistant; 2006 Notre Dame assistant
Other Interviews: Atlanta Falcons
, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans. The Browns plan on setting up a second, in-person interview with Minter.
Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant Brian Flores at OTAs on May 26, 2022. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Brian Flores has head coaching experience, spending three seasons at the helm of the Miami Dolphins. Things did not go well. Flores was fired, his quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa , was openly critical of his coaching techniques. Then, Flores sued the Dolphins and the NFL, alleging among other things that Miami owner Stephen Ross pressured him to lose on purpose. It looked like Flores would never coach in the NFL again.
But Mike Tomlin and the Steelers threw him a life preserver, hiring him as senior defesnive assistant in 2022. While Flores spent just one season in Pittsburgh, he was very well liked in the building, and likely would have stayed if not for getting an opportunity to be a defensive coordinator again in Minnesota.
Flores, 44, has spent the last three seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings . In 2022, the Vikings finished 28th in scoring defense under Ed Donatell. That shot up to 13th in Flores' first year in 2023, fifth last year and seventh the year before.
Latest: Flores signed a new deal to return to the Vikings as defensive coordinator, if he does not land a head coach job
. • The Steelers completed an in-person interview with Flores on Jan. 20.
• The Steelers have scheduled an in-person interview with Flores the week of Jan. 19
. • Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 14.
Resume:2023-25 Vikings defensive coordinator, 2022 Steelers senior defensive assistant, 2019-21 Dolphins head coach, 2008-18 Patriots
assistant, safeties coach, linebackers coach
Other interviews:Baltimore Ravens
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct 12, 2025. Rich Storry / Imagn ImagesCredit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Weaver, 45 was a second-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens out of Notre Dame in 2002, playing seven NFL seasons before picking up the headset. He is very familiar with the AFC North, coaching with the Cleveland Browns before re-joining the Ravens for a three-year stint as defensive line coach and assistant head coach, where he was a big part of the development of defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike .
He joined Mike McDaniel's staff as the Dolphins defensive coordinator in 2024, and their points allowed went from 22nd to 10th in his first year, before sliding back down to 25th in 2025. Weaver's Miami future is uncertain after McDaniel's firing.
Latest: Bills requested an interview on Jan. 21
• Both the Steelers and Ravens are targeting Weaver for second interviews
• Virtual interview completed, in-person second interview scheduled week of Jan. 19.
• Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 14.
Resume:2024-25 Dolphins defensive coordinator; 2021-23 Ravens defensive line coach, assistant head coach; 2016-20 Texans defensive line coach, defensive coordinator; 2014-15 Browns defensive line coach; 2013 Bills
defensive line coach; 2012 Jets
assistant; 2011 North Texas linebackers coach; 2010 Florida assistant
Other Interviews:Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills
Ejiro Evero when he was the Los Angeles Rams safeties coach during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 23, 2019. Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn ImagesCredit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Evero, 45, has been the Panthers' DC since 2023. Before joining Carolina, he was the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator for one season in 2022. Prior to that, he spent five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, serving as their safeties coach from 2017-2020 and secondary coach/ passing game coordinator in 2021. Evero was a part of the Rams' Super Bowl-winning team in 2021.
Evero just recently received an extension from the Panthers. Carolina's defense took massive steps forward in 2025. The unit allowed 327.2 total yards (16th) and 22.4 points (15th) per game in 2025, a drastic change from the 404.5 yards (32nd) and 31.4 points (32nd) they gave up in 2024.
"If you look at EJ, if you're around him every day—you see the way he works, how smart he is," Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said . "I believe in his defense, I believe in his philosophy. He's really good at developing players.
Latest: The Steelers have completed a virtual interview with Evero
. • Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 15.
Resume:2023-25 Panthers defensive coordinator; 2022 Broncos defensive coordinator; 2017-21 Rams safeties coach, pass game coordinator; 2016 Packers assistant, 2011-15 49ers assistant; 2010 Redlands special teams coordinator, 2007-09 Buccaneers
assistant; 2005-16 UC Davis assistant
Other Interviews:Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders
San Francisco 49ers Offensive Coordinator Klay Kubiak looks on during a NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 28, 2025 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. — Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire
Klay Kubiak is in his fifth season on Kyle Shanahan's 49ers staff and his first as the team's offensive coordinator. He was the Niners' offensive passing game specialist last season and served as the team's assistant quarterbacks coach in 2022 and 2023. Before that, he was a defensive quality control coach in 2021.
Kubiak, 37, is the son of longtime NFL coach Gary Kubiak. His brother, Klint, is the Seattle Seahawks ' offensive coordinator.
Latest: The 49ers will not allow Kubiak to make a sideways move as an offensive coordinator elsewhere, even though he does not call plays
. • With the 49ers loss to the Seahawks, the Steelers will be able to interview Kubiak in-person this week. • The Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 15.
Resume:2025 49ers defensive coordinator, 2024 49ers passing game coordinator, 2022-23 49ers assistant quarterbacks coach, 2021 49ers qualtiy control
Other Interviews:Las Vegas Raiders
Pittsburgh Steelers head Coach Mike Tomlin and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy after a game on Oct. 6, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
So you want to keep Aaron Rodgers as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, even though the big reason he joined the club is leaving? Here's a way to keep him. Hire his old head coach, Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy, who has had a lot of success at two different stops as head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys.
McCarthy has a 174-112-2 career record, .608 winning percentage, and beat Tomlin' Steelers to win Super Bowl XLV.
McCarthy wouldn't fit any of the Steelers' usual paradigms, but it wouldn't be a shock for him to get an interview, and he has a tangential connection to Omar Khan, as they were both with the New Orleans Saints
under Mike Ditka.
Latest: In-person interview completed on Jan. 21
. • Mike McCarthy shoots up odds board as next Steelers coach
. • The Steelers have scheduled an interview with McCarthy
. • McCarthy did not get the New York Giants
job, which will go to John Harbaugh.
Resume:2020-24 Cowboys head coach; 2006-18 Packers head coach; 2005 49ers offensive coordinator; 2000-04 Saints offensive coordinator; 1999 Packers quarterbacks coach; 1993-98 Chiefs assistant, quarterbacks coach; 1989-92 Pitt assistant, wide receivers coach; 1987-88 Fort Hays State assistant.
Other Interviews:New York Giants, Tennessee Titans
• Houston Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke
• Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile
• Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph
• Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak
• Oregon head coach Dan Lanning
• Former Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson
• Chicago Bears assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El
• Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz
• Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski
• Former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott
• Miami head coach Mario Cristobal
Houston Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke in a 2024 AFC wild card game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Jan 13, 2024. — Troy Taormina/Imagn ImagesCredit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Something that the Steelers always seem to prioritize when it comes to adding players is what those players have done against them. Kenneth Gainwell is a perfect example of that. He became the team MVP in 2025 after torching the Steelers as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.
Matt Burke's defense just eviscerated the Pittsburgh Steelers. Houston allowed just six points to the Steelers in the Wild Card round after having one of the best defenses in the league all regular season. He has also been in consideration for other head coaching jobs.
Burke, 49, was also with the Philadelphia Eagles when Andy Weidl was the assistant general manager there.
Latest:The Houston Texans will play the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Resume:2023-25 Texans defensive coordinator; 2022 Cardinals defensive line coach; 2021 Jets game management coach; 2019-20 Eagles defensive line coach, run game coordinator, special assistant; 2016-18 Dolphins linebackers coach, defensive coordinator; 2014-15 Bengals linebackers coach; 2009-13 Lions linebackers coach; 2004-08 Titans assistant; 2003 Harvard assistant, 2000-02 Boston College assistant
Other Interviews:Arizona Cardinals
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile stands on the field during pregame warmups against the New York Jets at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on Dec 14, 2025. — Travis Register / Imagn Images
You've probably never heard of Anthony Campanile. You had probably never heard of Mike Tomlin before the Steelers hired him in 2007, either. Campanile, 43, was a part of Flores' staff with the Dolphins, serving as linebackers coach. In 2024, he jumped to the Packers, adding run game coordinator to his title, before becoming the defensive coordinator with the Jaguars this season.
Working for an offensive head coach in Liam Coen, Campanile took the Jaguars from 27th to eight in points against. The team spent big money to bring in one player on defense: cornerback Jourdan Lewis, and the highest draft pick to contribute extensively on defense was their fourth-rounder.
Latest:The Jaguars season ended in a Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Resume:2025 Jaguars defensive coordinator; 2024 Packers linebacker coach, run-game coordinator; 2020-23 Dolphins linebackers coach; 2019 Michigan linebackers coach; 2016-18 Boston College defense backs coach, defensive coordinator; 2015 Rutgers wide receivers coach; 2012-14 Rutgers assistant, tight ends coach
Other Interviews:Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins
Select members of the Coloado National Guard attended the Denver Broncos 2018 Minicamp Luncheon June 12 at UCHealth Training Center in Englewood, Colorado. The service members were treated to a VIP experience that included a catered lunch, access to watch a practice session and a meet-and-greet with Broncos players and coaches. (National Guard Photo by Army Sgt. Zach Sheely/Released)
The Broncos are the No. 1 seed in the AFC, mostly thanks to Joseph's defense, and it could be time for Joseph to get another shot at a head coaching job. The 53-year-old went 11-21 as the head coach of the Broncos from 2017-18, but Denver thought enough of him to bring him back as defensive coordinator in 2023, following a three-year stint in the same role with the Miami Dolphins.
The Broncos are the No. 1 seed in the AFC, mostly thanks to Joseph's defense, and it could be time for Joseph to get another shot at a head coaching job. The 53-year-old went 11-21 as the head coach of the Broncos from 2017-18, but Denver thought enough of him to bring him back as defensive coordinator in 2023, following a three-year stint in the same role with the Miami Dolphins.
Latest:The Broncos will host the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round this Saturday.
Resume:2023-25 Broncos defensive coordinator, 2019-22 Cardinals defensive coordinator, 2017-18 Broncos head coach, 2016 Dolphins defensive coordinator, 2014-16 Bengals defensive backs coach, 2011-13 Texans defensive backs coach, 2005-10 49ers defensive backs coach, 2004 Bowling Green defensive backs coach, 1999-2003 Colorado assistant, defensive backs coach
Other Interviews:Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans
San Francisco 49ers offensive passing game specialist Klint Kubiak looks on prior to the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
The hottest name of the coaching cycle, Kubiak has already done some interviews this week as the red-hot Seattle Seahawks enjoyed their bye. It feels like that head start could be something that could be tough to overcome, and I'm not sure the offensive-minded Kubiak would be at the top of the Steelers' list anyway, even though he's been a popular candidate elsewhere.
Like Shula, he is also the scion of an NFL coaching family, with his father Gary Kubiak coaching the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos and also spending one year as the offensive coordinator of the Ravens.
Latest:The Seahawks will host the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round this weekend.
Resume:2025 Seahawks offensive coordinator; 2024 Saints offensive coordinator; 2023 49ers passing game coordinator; 2022 Broncos passing game coordinator; 2019-21 Vikings quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator; 2016-19 Broncos assistant; 2015 Kansas wide receivers coach; 2013-14 Vikings assistant; 2010-12 Texas A&M assistant
Other Interviews:Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants
Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning during a game against Penn State on Sept. 27, 2025. — Matthew Lynch / Nittany Sports Now
A disciple of Nick Saban at Alabama and Kirby Smart at Georgia, Dan Lanning brought a lot of the best parts of those coaches, especially on defense, to the Pacific Northwest when he took the Oregon job in 2022.
He uses a lot of Saban's formational tendencies that have been widely copied by NFL coaches, meaning his scheme should be a solid fit in the pro game, with the Steelers specifically liking how Derrick Harmon was able to transition from Oregon's defense to the Steelers'. Lanning at least knows the lay of the land in Pittsburgh. His first collegiate coaching gig was as a GA at Pitt in 2011.
Latest:Oregon's season ended in the College Football Playoff.
Resume:2022-25 Oregon head coach; 2019-21 Georgia outside linebackers coach, defensive coordinator; 2016-17 Memphis inside linebackers coach; 2015 Alabama assistant; 2014 San Houston State defensive backs coach; 2012-13 Arizona State assistant, 2011 Pitt assistant
Other Interviews:None
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson on Oct. 29, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Pederson, 57, won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. A former quarterback, he has a reputation of being a quarterback-friendly offensive playcaller, but did not have success leading Trevor Lawrence during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Pederson has a connection to Andy Weidl through his time with the Eagles. This is a list that is going to skew young and defensive, and so it makes some sense for the team to try to interview at least one candidate that bucks those trends.
Latest:Pederson is coaching at the Polynesian Bowl on Jan. 16.
Resume:2022-24 Jaguars head coach, 2016-20 Eagles head coach, 2013-15 Chiefs offensive coordinator, 2009-12 Eagles assistant, quarterbacks coach.
Other Interviews:none
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and current Chicago Bears coach Antwaan Randle El talks with wide receiver Emeka Egbuka at Ohio State pro day on March 26, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antwaan Randle El has been tutoring under one of the hottest coaches in the NFL, and might finally get his shot to take a step forward this offseason.
Randle El is currently the wide receivers coach and assistant head coach under Chicago Bears rookie head coach Ben Johnson. He had previously served as Johnson's wide receivers coach with the Detroit Lions, establishing himself as the top protege to one of the top young head coaches in the NFL.
Latest:The Bears will host the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the NFL playoffs on Sunday.
Resume:2025 Bears assistant head coach, wide receivers coach; 2021-24 Lions wide receivers coach; 2019-20 Buccaneers assistant
Other Interviews:None
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz watches the team warm up before an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Nov. 16, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. — Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jim Schwartz is 59 years old, and he might never get another shot at being a head coach, but it's hard to say he doesn't deserve one, based on the play of his defense. Schwartz led the Detroit Lions to a 29-51 record from 2009-13, one in a long line of failures for one of the league's most notoriously moribund franchises before Dan Campbell came along.
Since then, he's again been a stellar defensive coordinator, winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. Over the last three years, he's turned the Browns into one of the NFL's premiere defense and has turned Myles Garrett from an advanced stats darling without the production to match to the bona fide best defensive player n the league.
Latest:Schwartz and the rest of the Cleveland coaching staff are in a holding pattern while the Browns hire a replacement for Kevin Stefanski. Schwartz himself has interviewed for the job.
Resume:2023-25 Browns defensive coordinator; 2021-22 Titans senior defensive assistant; 2016-20 Eagles defensive coordinator; 2014 Bills defensive coordinator; 2009-13 Lions head coach; 1999-2008 Titans assistant, linebackers coach, defensive coordinator; 1996-98 Ravens outside linebackers coach; 1993-95 Browns scout; 1992 Colgate linebackers coach; 1991 NC Central secondary coach; 1990 Minnesota assistant'; 1989 Maryland assistant
Other Interviews:Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns
Jaguars Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski talks with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the Jaguars 14th NFL training camp session at Miller Electric Center Tuesday August 12, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. — Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union
The youngest candidate on the board, Udinski has a reputation as being something of a wunderkind. The 30-year-old got his start in coaching in 2019, his first NFL job a year later, and is a coordinator five years later.
A Pennsylvania native, Udinski reportedly lived out of his car during his one season as a graduate assistant at Baylor, so there's no questioning his motivation. His lack of experience, and the fact that Liam Coen called the plays for the Jaguars during their turnaround season, make him the biggest boom-or-bust coaching prospect on the board.
Latest: Udinski is getting a second interview with the Browns
. • Udinski is a dark horse candidate that seems to be gaining steam for the Cleveland Browns job.
Resume:2025 Jaguars defensive coordinator; 2022-24 Vikings assistant; 2020-21 Panthers assistant; 2019 Baylor assistant
Other Interviews:Cleveland Browns
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 15, 2021. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
A new name has entered the 2026 NFL head coach carousel, and it's a big one, as the Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Sean McDermott, according to a r eport by NFL Network.
The Bills fired McDermott following Buffalo's overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Playoff on Saturday. The 51-year-old had been with the Bills since 2017, making him one of the NFL's longest-tenured head coaches.
McDermott had a 98-50 record in the regular season, with an eye-popping .662 winning percentage, but was just 8-8 in the playoffs, making just two trips to the AFC Championship Game despite having Josh Allen as his quarterback for eight of his nine seasons.
Close friends and college teammates with Mike Tomlin, the ex-William & Mary duo now find themselves together on the sidelines.
Latest: The Buffalo Bills fired McDermott on Jan. 19, after their Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos
.
Resume:2017-25 Bills head coach; 2011-16 Panthers defensive coordinator; 2001-10 Eagles assistant, linebackers coach, defensive backs coach, defensive coordinator; 1998 William & Mary assistant
Other Interviews:none
Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal reacts after a play against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan 19, 2026. — Kirby Lee / Imagn ImagesCredit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mario Cristobal has resurrected the Miami program, leading the Hurricanes all the way to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Could he make the jump to the NFL? The Steelers are reportedly interested in him.
The 55-year-old has been a head coach in college at three stops now, having previously coached at FIU and Oregon, and he has a 97-79 record as a Division I head coach.
A former offensive lineman for the Hurricanes in the early 1990s, Cristobal has minimal experience as a coordinator. He served as an assistant head coach under Nick Saban at Alabama and was co-offensive coordinator at Oregon before getting promoted to head coach in 2018.
Latest: Cristobal surprisingly added to the Steelers interest board.
Resume:2022-25 Miami (Fla.) head coach; 20178-21 Oregon offensive coordinator, head coach; 2013-16 Alabama assistant head coach; 2007-12 FIU head coach; 2001-06 Rutgers offensive line coach, tight ends coach; 1998-2000 Miami (Fla.) assistant
Other Interviews:none
• Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith
• Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh
• Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman
• Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti
• Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur
• Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski
• Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley
• San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith before a game against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Latest: The Steelers have cut loose Arthur Smith and the rest of their coaching staff, allowing them to freely interview for other jobs.
Resume:2024-25 Steelers offensive coordinator; 2021-23 Falcons head coach; 2011-20 Titans assistant, offensive line coach, tight ends coach, offensive coordinator; 2010 Ole Miss assistant; 2007-08 Redskins assistant; 2006 North Carolina assistant
Other Interviews:Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 7, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
John Harbaugh was the coach of the Ravens for 18 seasons, compiling a 180-113 record and winning Super Bowl XLVII and the 2019 NFL Coach of the Year Award. Harbaugh and the Ravens parted ways on Jan. 6, just days after the Ravens lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a winner-take-all game for the AFC North title , and he quickly became one of the most sought-after coaches in the NFL coaching carousel. He was let go by the team amid reported tensions between him and star quarterback Lamar Jackson, and a struggle of a season for the Ravens, who finished 8-9.
Latest: Harbaugh is nearing a deal to become the next New York Giants head coach, ESPN reported on Jan. 15.
Resume:2008-25 Ravens head coach; 1998-07 Eagles special teams coordinator, defensive backs coach; 1997 Indiana special teams coordinator; 1989-96 Cincinnati special teams coordinator; 1998 Morehead State special teams coach, secondary coach; 1987 Pitt tight ends coach; 1984-86 Western Michigan running backs coach, outside linebackers coach
Other Interviews:Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman after winning the Orange Bowl over Penn State on Jan. 9, 2025. — Matthew Lynch / Nittany Sports Now
The 40-year-old Ohio State alum has a 38-10 record at Notre Dame since 2021, winning coach of the year honors in 2024 whole taking the Irish to the College Football Playoff national championship game.
Freeman is known in coaching circles as an outstanding motivator, and he would bring some of the same things that Tomlin brought to the table. It's less clear if his defensive scheme would be a fit at the NFL level.
Latest: Freeman will remain at Notre Dame, despite NFL interest, ESPN reported on Jan. 14.
Resume:2021-25 Notre Dame defensive coordinator, head coach; 2017-20 Cincinnati defensive coordinator; 2013-16 Purdue linebackers coach, defensive coordinator; 2011-12 Kent State linebacker coach; 2010 Ohio State assistant
Other Interviews:None
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti during a game against Penn State on Nov, 8, 2025. — Matthew Lynch / Nittany Sports Now
This is a list that is mostly young, defensive-minded coaches with NFL experience. Curt Cignetti is 64, he was a quarterback, and has never coached in the NFL.
So why is he here? Just doing the best job of coach on about any team in any sport at any level over the last two years. Cignetti has Indiana in the College Football Playoff national championship. Indiana. He's from Pittsburgh, played at West Virginia, and coached at Pitt and IUP. He walks and talks like a Yinzer.
Latest: Cignetti said no thanks
to any NFL head coaching opportunities: "I'm not an NFL guy." • The Hoosiers will face Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19.
Resume:2024-25 Indiana head coach; 2019-23 James Madison head coach; 2017-18 Elon head coach; 2011-16 IUP head coach; 2007-10 Alabama wide receivers coach; 2000-06 NC State quarterbacks coach, tight ends coach; 1993-99 Pitt quarterbacks coach, tight ends coach; 1989-92 Temple quarterbacks coach; 1986-88 Rice quarterbacks coach; 1985 Davidson quarterbacks coach; 1983-84 Pitt assistant.
Other Interviews:None
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. — Schik8337 / CC
To some extent, Matt LaFleur is feeling the same pressure as now-former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin felt. The Green Bay Packers' frustration is building after three consecutive playoff losses , prompting Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio not to rule out LaFleur as a possibility to take over Tomlin's vacated spot.
LaFleur has guided the Packers to the postseason in six of his seven seasons at the helm. He owns a 3-6 record and hasn't made it past the divisional round since 2020. He's posted a 76-40-1 regular-season mark since taking over in 2019, but his team imploded after starting 9-3-1 this campaign.
Latest: Reached an agreement with the Packers on a contract extension on Jan. 17.
Resume:2019-25 Packers head coach, 2018 Titans offensive coordinator, 2017 Rams offensive coordinator, 2015-15 Falcons quarterbacks coach, 2014 Notre Dame quarterbacks coach, 2010-13 Redskins quarterbacks coach, 2008-09 Texans assistant, 2007 Ashland offensive coordinator, 2006 Northern Michigan quarterbacks coach, 2004-05 Central Michigan assistant, 2003 Saginaw Valley State assistant
Other Interviews:none
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 28, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
A two-time NFL Coach of the Year, Kevin Stefanski did a lot with a little in Cleveland, and it sure seems that his departure was mostly about chafing with ownership's meddling than it was anything else. It never seemed that Stefanski and owner Jimmy Haslam were aligned when it came to the quarterback position, in particular.
The management of that position was a disaster for Cleveland in 2025, with Dillon Gabriel drafted ahead of Shedeur Sanders, only to pay far worse, and Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco and Tyler Huntley all playing better than both of them for other teams after being jettisoned by the Browns.
But there's no question Stefanski can coach, and a more-stable ownership situation like the Steelers' could be the ticket for him to reviving his career.
Latest: The Falcons have hired Stefanski as their head coach
. • The Titans have requested a second interview with Stefanski
. • The Falcons have set their sights on Stefanski as a head coach target
. • Steelers legend Jerome Bettis endorsed Stefanski as the team's next head coach.
Resume:2020-25 Browns head coach; 2006-19 Vikings assistant, tight ends coach, running backs coach, quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator; 2005 Penn assistant
Other Interviews:Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans
Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, left, talks with head coach Matt LaFleur before their game against the Houston Texans on Oct. 20, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. — Mark Hoffman / Imagn ImagesCredit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jeff Hafley, 46, has a unique resume. After coming up through the NFL as a position, Hafley went back to college and was the head coach at Boston College for four seasons (2020-23), leading the Eagles to bowl eligibility in three of the four years, before returning to the NFL, where he has been the Packers' defensive coordinator for the last two seasons.
The Packers had the No. 6 scoring defense in the NFL in his first season in 2024, and they were still 11th in 2025, despite losing star edge rusher Micah Parsons to a season-ending injury.
Latest: The Dolphins are set to hire Hafley
. • Hafley is a finalist for both the Titans and Dolphins jobs
. • The Titans have requested a second interview with Hafley
. • Hafley has become a frontrunner for the Miami Dolphins job
. • Virtual interview scheduled for Jan. 16
. • Steelers requested an interview on Jan. 15.
Resume:2024-25 Packers defensive coordinator; 2020-23 Boston College head coach; 2019 Ohio State defensive coordinator; 2016-18 49er defensive backs coach; 2014-15 Brows defensive backs coach; 2012-13 Buccaneers assistant, defensive backs coach; 2011 Rutgers defensive backs coach; 2006-11 Pitt assistant, defensive backs coach; 2002-25 Albany assistant, defensive backs coach; 2001 WPI running backs coach
Other Interviews:Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Saleh, 46, had a four-year stint as head coach of the New York Jets that did not go very well, as he finished with a 20-36 record. We've learned that failure with the Jets doesn't necessarily portend failure elsewhere, and Saleh has done a nice job this season as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers.
His unit has been absolutely crippled by injuries, but ended up finishing 13th in points against, and they're playing their best ball at the end of the season, allowing 13 points to the Seattle Seahawks in the final week of the regular season and 19 to the Philadelphia Eagles in a Wild Card win.
Latest:The Titans are expected to hire Saleh as their next head coach. • The 49ers will visit the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday.
Resume:2025 49ers defensive coordinator, 2024 Packers offensive consultant, 2021-24 Jets head coach, 2017-20 49ers defensive coordinator, 2014-16 Jaguars linebackers coach, 2011-13 Seahawks assistant, 2005-10 Texans assistant, 2005 Georgia assistant, 2004 Central Michigan assistant, 2002-03 Michigan State assistant.
Other Interviews:Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans
Interviews & requests:Thomas Brown, Matt Burke, Jeff Hafley, Vance Jospeh, Klint Kubiak, Raheem Morris, Matt Nagy, Robert Saleh, Arthur Smith , Anthony Weaver.
Hired: Kevin Stefanski
Interviews & requests: Joe Brady, Aden Durde, Ejiro Evero, Jeff Hafley, John Harabugh, Klint Kubiak, Mike McDaniel, Jesse Minter, Antonio Pierece, Kevin Stefanski , Anthony Weaver
Interviews & requests: Joe Brady, Anthony Campanile, Brian Flores , Vance Joseph, Kliff Kingsbury, Klint Kubiak, Mike McDaniel, Jesse Minter, Matt Nagy, Robert Saleh, Nate Scheelhaase, Jim Schwartz, Chris Shula, Kevin Stefanski, Anthony Weaver, Davis Webb
Interviews & requests:
Interviews & requests: Aden Durde, Mike McDaniel, Jesse Minter, Todd Monken, Dan Pitcher, Tommy Rees, Nate Scheelhaase, Jim Schwartz, Grant Udinski
Interviews & requests: Joe Brady, Ejiro Evero, Jeff Hafley, Vance Joseph, Klay Kubiak, Klint Kubiak, Mike McDaniel, Jesse Minter, Matt Nagy, Nate Scheelhaase, Davis Webb
Hired: Jeff Hafley
Interviews & requests: Anthony Campanile, Patrick Graham, Jeff Hafley , Klint Kubiak, Jesse Minter, Robert Saleh, Kelvin Sheppard, Chris Shula, Kevin Stefanski
Hired: John Harbaugh
Interviews & requests:Lou Anarumo, John Harbaugh, Vance Joseph, Klint Kubiak, Mike McCarthy, Raheem Morris, Antonio Pierce, Darren Rizzi, Kevin Stefanski
Hired:Robert Saleh
Interviews & requests:Lou Anarumo, Brian Daboll, Jonathan Gannon, Jason Garrett, Jeff Hafley, John Harbaugh, Vance Joseph, Kliff Kingsbury, Mike McCarthy, Mike McCoy, Mike McDaniel, Jesse Minter, Raheem Morris, Matt Nagy, Robert Saleh, Chris Shula, Arthur Smith , Steve Spagnuolo, Kevin Stefanski.
Nagy, Hafley and Stefanski are expected to get second interviews.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coaching Search Big Board: In-Person Interviews Begin
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