Ranking the Steelers’ Ideal NFL Head Coach Options If They Replace.
☰ Rob Carr/Getty Images. Ranking the Steelers’ ideal NFL head coach options if they replace Mike Tomlin. Alex Kay. January 16, 2024. Mike Tomlin has never lost a season in his 17 years as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it is unclear whether he will return for an 18th. The Steelers fell to the Buffalo Bills during Super Wild Card Weekend, marking their sixth consecutive season without a postseason victory. They haven’t been to the AFC Championship Game since 2016, haven’t made it to the Super Bowl since 2010, and haven’t won the championship since Tomlin won his only ring in his second season in 2008.
It’s been a difficult period for the storied organisation, and a regime change might occur as early as this offseason. Tomlin is entering the final year of his contract, but his refusal to address a question about his future during Monday’s postgame press conference.
before the reporter could complete the question—has stoked talk about his possible exit. Tomlin told Steelers players Tuesday that “the speculation about him is unfounded and he plans on coaching the team in 2024,” according to NFL Media’s
However, if the Steelers break company with the 51-year-old, they will be forced to undergo a head coaching search, which is an unusual situation. Tomlin becomes Pittsburgh’s third head coach since Chuck Noll was hired in 1969. The franchise is appealing, and if the position becomes available this hiring cycle, it should pique the curiosity of some of the top prospects. With that in mind, here are the top five head coaching choices the Steelers might consider this offseason if they decide to replace Tomlin.
5: Eric Bieniemy, Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator
The Washington Commanders started their offseason with a regime shift, sacking head coach Ron Rivera and hiring Adam Peters as general manager. While several of Rivera’s staff members remain, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy may be on his way out soon. Bieniemy may be a favourite O.C. interview this summer, but the veteran Andy Reid apprentice should also be a head coaching possibility. The Steelers should seriously consider him for the latter post if it becomes available.
The 54-year-old joined Reid’s coaching staff in 2013 as a running backs coach before becoming the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator in 2018. He won two Super Bowls in that role before accepting a job as Washington’s play-caller for the 2023 season. While the Commanders battled during a 4–13 season, the offence performed admirably early in the year.
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