The Steelers Have Announced Clear Decision On 'Rebuilding'

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 5:11 PM ET

Although the Mike Tomlin era has come to an end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the franchise's goal for the 2026 season hasn't changed.

Tomlin, who led the Steelers to a Super Bowl title during the 2008 season, always kept the franchise above .500 every year. Unfortunately, he lost seven consecutive postseason games from 2017-2025. Despite ending his tenure on a sour note, he'll go down as a legend in the Steel City.

"It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in his statement. "He guided the franchise to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career. His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated. My family and I, and everyone connected to Steelers management, are forever grateful for the passion and dedication Mike Tomlin has devoted to Steelers football."

So what's next for the Steelers? Rooney made it clear that he's not interested in rebuilding.

"I don’t like that word that much," Rooney said. "We’ll try to compete Day One if we can."

Jan 14, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II speaks at a press conference at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.

Regardless of who the Steelers hire as their next head coach, Rooney's plan is to contend next season.

"I’m not going to say, 'Well, you know, we’re going to take a couple of years to figure this out and then we’ll try to compete.' So I think you try every year," Rooney added, via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "And as I said, some years you have the horses to really get there. Some years you don’t. But you try every year, in my view."

Who's on Pittsburgh's radar?

For starters, the Steelers are interested in Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula and pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.

The Steelers have also shown interest in former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. He's a legitimate candidate for this job, especially since he has history working in Pittsburgh.

"It would not be a surprise if Brian Flores, who was in Pittsburgh in 2022, gets a real look by the Steelers," NFL insider Jordan Schultz said.

It'll be interesting to see where the Steelers go from here. Whoever gets the job will have large shoes to fill, that's for sure.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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