Steelers Top 5 Head Coach Candidates

The unthinkable finally happened, as Mike Tomlin stepped down as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It was a move many called for, but few expected to happen. But after 19 seasons and going a full decade without winning a postseason contest, Tomlin is no longer the head coach in PIttsburgh.

Now, the Steelers must immediately jump into a crowded head coaching carousel. Top candidates are already interviewing in the other eight openings, meaning the Steelers must identify and reach out to their candidate before losing them to another team. With that in mind, five candidates stand out as primary options to be the next head coach of the Steelers.

Declan Doyle - Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator

The Chicago Bears have been a feel-good story this year, and their offensive coordinator is rapidly climbing the future head coaching lists. He's been key for the Bears' NFC North division title, and quarterback Caleb Williams going from a learning first-year player to a franchise QB in year two.

The knock against Doyle is his lack of experience. Just 29-years-old, he's finishing his first year as a coordinator in the NFL. That may not be enough for the Steelers, but he's a coach that's on the rise.

Brian Flores - Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator

Familiarity is key for Brian Flores, who spent the 2022 season with the Steelers as a defensive assistant. A schematic guru, Flores is one of the smartest defensive minds in the NFL.

He also has head-coaching experience, though it might be better to forget that ever happened. Still, he has plenty to offer, and there's already confirmed interest from the organization. It would also be the second straight time the Steelers hired the Vikings' defensive coordinator as their head coach.

Klint Kubiak - Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator

Kubiak is one of the hottest names on the market this cycle. Klint Kubiak has helped Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks' offense go from average to Super Bowl-worthy.

It's the type of mind that is the exact opposite of Tomlin. He's an offensive genius and would likely cede play-calling duties on defense to whoever he brings in. The fresh look and mindset he brings is a huge change of pace, but it might be exactly what the Steelers need.