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Bills' Potential Hiring Mistake Could Land Steelers A Head Coach And Offensive Coordinator For The Next 20 Years
Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Bills' Potential Hiring Mistake Could Land Steelers A Head Coach And Offensive Coordinator For The Next 20 Years

Originally posted on Steeler Nation  |  By Parker Abate  |  Last updated Jan 22, 2026 12:41 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers' search for the franchise's next head coach has been, and will continue to be, a very tedious process. The organization has been selective regarding which candidates have received interviews, and the front office is likely to be even more picky when it comes to individuals getting an opportunity to arrive in person for a meeting. It seems as if Art Rooney II and Omar Khan may be done adding new names to the list; however, that could change at any moment depending on what else happens with five other teams' current head-coaching vacancies that have yet to be filled.

Just when everyone throughout the league thought there would be a total of nine openings, the Buffalo Bills made the decision to fire Head Coach Sean McDermott after the team's Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos. That immediately became, arguably, the top destination for the candidates looking for top jobs. The idea of having a franchise quarterback in place with Josh Allen cannot be ignored.

Bills Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady should be looked at as one of the favorites to get the gig in Buffalo, as a promotion would be deserving after the amount of success he has had with Allen. However, if the organization decides to bring in a different offensive-minded leader, Brady may not want to take a step back. That could lead to him hunting for a different opportunity, specifically if Brian Daboll is brought back to Orchard Park by General Manager Brandon Beane.

This is exactly the kind of situation that the Steelers need to be paying attention to. Pittsburgh has not requested for an interview with Brady as of Thursday morning, but the Baltimore Ravens have. Not only could the 36-year-old get to be a team's new head coach, but he also could work as an innovative play-caller who has experience working with a MVP signal-caller. Rooney and Khan could quickly pivot if it looks like Brady will be on the move if a different name is hired in Buffalo.

Hiring Daboll may be looked at as a big mistake by fans in Buffalo. His tenure with the New York Giants was far from inspiring and while he knows Allen and the Bills well, it doesn't mean he should return as the franchise's next head coach.

The Steelers are in the midst of trying to make one of the most important decisions that the brass has had to make in almost two decades. No stone should be left unturned. Most of the interviewees are known for their defensive prowess, but getting someone like Brady involved would certainly shake things up. It's possible Pittsburgh didn't envision him wanting to leave Buffalo, but he may have no choice if someone like Daboll gets the job.

It would be a little late in the game to welcome Brady for an interview, or multiple, but it has consistently been communicated that the Steelers are planning to take their time with this search. Certain dominos falling could lead to a switch up in strategy. Buffalo's opening leaves the door open for a number of different possibilities. Not only is Brady a young offensive-mind that has earned respect, but he could also very well be a head coach in the NFL for multiple decades.

Steelers Can't Get Too Comfortable Looking For Next Head Coach

While it has been reported that Pittsburgh is already narrowing its list, Brady becoming available could, and should, change that. Just because a few individuals have impressed doesn't mean that pivoting wouldn't be worth it. If Daboll, or another offensive play-caller, is hired by the Bills, Brady will likely not be interested in a demotion. This could make him more willing to part ways with Buffalo and Allen, opening the door for a team like the Steelers.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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