Bills Could Completely Screw Up The Steelers Coaching Search

It's very hard to argue that the Pittsburgh Steelers don't have one of the most attractive open head-coaching vacancies. The Baltimore Ravens also have a case, but the two organizations are top-notch jobs for different reasons. One has a franchise quarterback in Lamar Jackson, while the other has a commitment to stability that has not necessarily been matched throughout the professional sports world. Only one team has filled its open spot this offseason, and that occurred when the New York Giants reportedly landed John Harbaugh. Now, the Steel City awaits a big name after Mike Tomlin's sudden and abrupt departure.

While it seems as if the coaching carousel is pretty much set in stone when it comes to openings, that might not end up being the case after the NFL's Divisional Round commences. There have been situations in the past when coaches were fired after losing in the second round of the postseason. One recent example was the Tennessee Titans and Mike Mularkey agreeing to part ways after the 2017 campaign ended for the organization.

It may seem like all current coaches still competing for a Super Bowl are safe, but that may not firmly be the case for Head Coach Sean McDermott and the Buffalo Bills. In arguably one of the weakest AFC playoff fields in some time, Josh Allen finally has a chance to get the franchise back to the Super Bowl. Falling short of expectations and losing to the Denver Broncos on Saturday could flip the narrative.

The Ravens' job is attractive because of a two-time MVP in Jackson who happens to be under center. Buffalo may not just jump that, but also Pittsburgh's long-term stability promise, if General Manager Brandon Beane and co. make the rash decision to let go of McDermott. Some of the top candidates could shift their focuses to the Bills if Allen is waiting for a new head coach that can come in and deliver Super Bowl appearances.

Only one individual would end up getting the job, but one more opening, and a big one at that, could cause a lag in the hiring process. The Steelers aren't just looking for Tomlin's replacement; the front office could be looking for an entire new coaching staff to come in with the hire. A vacancy in Buffalo would only make things more complicated, rather than them getting done more efficiently and swiftly.

Not only would Pittsburgh be competing within its own division for the best possible candidate, but now another AFC foe that has a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback — similar to Jackson in that regard — would mess a lot of processes up. No reports have suggested that McDermott could be on the move, but a non-competitive showing on the road in Denver could hypothetically be the nail in the coffin.

It's not likely that any other organization will have a head coach opening, barring something unexpected. However, the Bills have one of the most attractive setups in the entire league. A bright offensive-mind may prefer to go there over the Steelers, and a promising defensive coach could have more confidence leading a team with Allen running the show under center. A McDermott departure in Buffalo would turn this cycle upside down once again.

Steelers Won't Rush This Process Regardless Of What Happens In Buffalo

Pittsburgh is going to be picky, and it's because it can be. Stability and six Lombardi Trophies are going to be a great selling point for the decision-makers. However, if the hiring team does fall in love with a candidate early on, it would be a shame if the group had to wait because that individual suddenly became a favorite to land a brand new opening with the Bills and Allen.