'Pipe dream': Steelers' ideal coaching scenario seems very unlikely

The Pittsburgh Steelers remain entrenched in a serious search as the time to replace Mike Tomlin has finally arrived following his abrupt departure from the team. It seems as if news comes out about candidates and possibilities nearly every hour, with national and local media alike dialed in on the Steel City. It's not going to be easy for someone to follow up a 19-year Hall of Fame-like tenure. Whoever is hired in the coming weeks will be facing plenty of pressure to repeat the amount of success that the franchise's previous three head coaches had from 1969 to 2025.

The list of interviewees has been a little hectic. Some of the individuals have matched the description of what the Steelers have targeted in previous searches for the same position: young, defensive-minded and up-and-coming. Chris Shula perfect fits that, as the 39-year old is likely ready to take the next step in his career and leave the Los Angeles Rams.

Two other intriguing candidates do not meet the prior requirements. Nate Scheelhaase is a 35-year-old offensive guru, and Mike McCarthy also focuses on that side of the ball, while being 62. The 27-year age gap is certainly something between the two. That has to make one wonder if the duo could co-exist on the same staff that was led by Shula, who would hypothetically run the defense.

While appearing on "The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller" on Friday afternoon, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly was going through several different scenarios when it comes to the organization's current process. He laid out the best possible outcome, only to then rule it out.

"Imagine [the Steelers] getting Chris Shula as your head coach. Mike McCarthy as your assistant head coach, offensive mastermind to help out a guy like Scheelhaase learn how to be your offensive coordinator," Kaboly said. "That would be like the ultimate one, but I think that's a pipe dream."

Kaboly did tease fans a little bit with the idea of that potential partnership. A trio of Shula, Scheelhaase and McCarthy could lead to the perfect mix of experience and innovation in the modern NFL. A quarterback could learn so much from the veteran in McCarthy, while also adapting to ways that have been put in place by masterminds such as Sean McVay. It would be absolutely ideal, but it's not likely.

There is a lot that goes into finding a new head coach. Fortunately for the Steelers, these long processes and stressful interviews do not come around often. That can also be looked at as a negative, though. The NFL has changed a lot since Tomlin was hired in 2007, and the team can't resort to old beliefs this time around. It's why somehow landing Shula, Scheelhaase and McCarthy would be looked at as an incredible blend of everything that will be needed.

Pittsburgh is going to retool both its roster and coaching staff. It will all start with the head coach, but it would immediately be looked at as a win if a veteran coach tagged along, as well as a bright offensive mind that is just 35 years of age (Scheelhaase). It's simply reality, however, that makes it very hard to envision the Steelers pulling off one of the greatest triple-hires that the NFL would have seen in some time.

Steelers would absolutely settle for just Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase

Pittsburgh has yet to make a serious move when it comes to putting an offer on the table. No one is sure when that will come, but it's quite possible that the front office is waiting for the Rams to play in, and finish, the NFC Championship Game. After that, both Shula and Scheelhaase can be welcomed for in-person interviews by Art Rooney II and Omar Khan. Additionally, they can then agree verbally to become the team's next head coach and offensive coordinator, respectively.