Welcome to our tracker dedicated to the Steelers' search for the 17th head coach in franchise history.
Every time a new candidate is added to the list, starting with a request for an interview, we will update this tracker. We'll also update every time an interview is completed or if anything else new happens with the candidate
Under each candidate, you should find a snapshot of their resume and other details explaining other information about them or why they are in the running.
MIKE MCCARTHY
Interview requested: Jan. 18 Completed interview?: Yes (Jan. 21, in person) Other interviews: Giants, Titans Still in running?: Hired by Steelers Age: 62 Specialty: Offense
Why he's in the mix: McCarthy is a Pittsburgh native with a wealth of experience as a head coach in the NFL. If the Steelers want to reunite with Aaron Rodgers, hiring McCarthy could make that a little more feasible as the two spent 13 seasons together in Green Bay. McCarthy also worked with Omar Khan in the Saints organization for two seasons (2000-01), so there are ties there, as well.
KLAY KUBIAK
Interview requested: Jan. 15 Completed interview?: Yes (Jan.18, virtual) Second interview?: No Other interviews: None Still in running?: No Age: 37 Specialty: Offense
Resume: • 49ers offensive coordinator (2025-present) • 49ers offensive passing game specialist (2024) • 49ers assistant quarterbacks coach (2022-23) • 49ers defensive quality control coach (2021) • Strake Jesuit College Prep head coach (2018-2020) • Strake Jesuit College Prep offensive coordinator (2013-15, 2017)
Why he's in the mix: When you think offensive in today's NFL, you think either Sean McVay or Kyle Shanahan. Kubiak has worked under the latter for the past five seasons. And, he comes from a good football family of his own. His brother, Klint Kubiak, is the Seahawks offensive coordinator and one of the most sought after names in this hiring cycle, and his father is Gary Kubiak, who spent 10 seasons as an NFL head coach.
JEFF HAFLEY
Interview requested: Jan. 15 Completed interview?: Yes (virtual) Second interview?: No Other interviews: Cardinals, Falcons, Raiders, Dolphins, Titans Still in running?: No (hired by Dolphins) Age: 46 Specialty: Defense
Why he's in the mix: Hafley brings 25 years of coaching experience to the job, both at the college and pro levels. His first crack at being a head coach resulted in a 22-26 record at Boston College, including three bowl invitations. However, that job was a springboard to joining Matt LaFleur's staff in Green Bay, in which he's coached units that finished fifth and 12th in total defense, respectively. The Packers' finish to the 2025 season will turn some sour against Hafley, but he's been able to get his players to produce. In 2024, the Packers finish third in the NFL in interceptions. The 2013 Buccaneers and 2014 Browns were also top three in interceptions with Hafley as defensive backs coach. Maybe Joe Haden will have something to say about him.
EJIRO EVERO
Interview requested: Jan. 15 Completed interview?: Yes (virtual) Second interview?: No Other interviews: Falcons, Raiders (second interview) Still in running?: No Age: 45 Specialty: Defense
Resume: • Panthers defensive coordinator (2023-present) • Broncos defensive coordinator (2022) • Rams secondary coach/pass game coordinator (2021) • Rams safeties coach (2017-2020) • Packers defensive quality control coach (2016) • 49ers defensive assistant (2014-15) • 49ers offensive assistant (2012-13) • 49ers quality control coach (2011) • University of Redlands special teams coordinator/safeties coach (2010) • Buccaneers defensive quality control coach (2007-09) • UC Davis assistant coach (2005-06)
Why he's in the mix: Evero has been a name tossed around in the past couple of hiring cycles. He has extensive work as a coach on the defensive side of the ball, including four seasons as a defensive coordinator in the NFL. His three seasons with the Panthers have included rankings of fourth, last and 16th in total defense, respectively. With the Panthers' turnaround this season, Evero is getting a bit more attention. While I wouldn't consider him to be a strong candidate on the surface, the Steelers appear to be casting a wide net on candidates.
NATE SCHEELHAASE
Interview requested: Jan. 14 Completed interview?: Yes (Jan. 16, virtual) Second interview?: Ineligible until week after conference championships Other interviews: Ravens, Browns, Raiders Still in running?: No Age: 35 Specialty: Offense
Resume: • Rams pass game coordinator (2025) • Rams offensive assistant/pass game specialist (2024) • Iowa State offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (2023) • Iowa State running game coordinator/running backs, wide receivers coach (2021-22) • Iowa State wide receivers coach (2019-2020) • Iowa State running backs coach (2018) • Illinois offensive assistant (2016-17) • Illinois running backs coach/football operations (2015)
Why he's in the mix: Scheelhaase is a young offensive assistant that's coached under Sean McVay for two seasons, one of the most respected coaches in the NFL. He also has extensive work at Iowa State helping players such as Brock Purdy, Breece Hall, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel get drafted. He'd go against the precedent of choosing a defensive-minded coach, but all he's missing from his resume is a full-time coordinator role to be a slam-dunk hire. Even if he doesn't land the job, the Steelers could be bringing him in as a potential offensive coordinator, especially if another Rams assistant happens to be offered the role of head coach.
CHRIS SHULA
Interview requested: Jan. 14 Completed interview?: Yes (Jan. 16, virtual) Second interview?: Ineligible until week after conference championships Other interviews: Dolphins, Titans, Ravens Still in running?: No Age: 39 Specialty: Defense
Why he's in the mix: The grandson of legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula, Chris Shula is one of the more sought after defensive names in this hiring cycle. While the Rams' peripheral defensive stats aren't eye-popping (17th in total defense, 10th in scoring), a deeper look shows they've been one of the more efficient units in the NFL this season, all while dedicating the least amount of money to that side of the ball. The Rams finished third in red zone efficiency and drives that ended in a turnover, fifth in takeaways, sixth in points against per drive, seventh in EPA/play, success rate, sacks and third down efficiency. Should Shula fit Art Rooney II's mold for being a good leader, he could be one of the favorites from this group.
BRIAN FLORES
Interview requested: Jan. 14 Completed interview?: Yes (Jan. 20, in person) Second interview?: No Other interviews: Ravens Still in running?: No Age: 44 Specialty: Defense
Why he's in the mix: Flores is the only coach on this list with previous experience as an NFL head coach. And, he made a lot of great impressions during his one season in Pittsburgh. Flores has been thought to be one of the game's better defensive minds, and his resurgent success with the Vikings has made him a prime candidate for another head coaching gig.
ANTHONY WEAVER
Interview requested: Jan. 14 Completed interview?: Yes (virtual) Second interview?: Yes (Jan. 23, in person) Other interviews: Cardinals, Falcons, Ravens, Bills Still in running?: No Age: 45 Specialty: Defense
Resume: • Dolphins defensive coordinator (2024-present) • Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach (2022-23) • Ravens defensive line coach/run game coordinator (2021) • Texans defensive coordinator/defensive line coach (2020) • Texans defensive line coach (2016-19) • Browns defensive line coach (2014-15) • Bills defensive line coach (2013) • Jets assistant defensive line coach (2012) • North Texas linebackers coach (2011) • Florida graduate assistant (2010)
Why he's in the mix: Weaver has a long line of experience coaching defensive lines and has coached some extraordinarily good players during his tenure, including J.J. Watt, Mario Williams, Nnamdi Madubuike and Calais Campbell. Weaver has earned a lot of praise in the coaching fraternity, including from John Harbaugh, who called him a "great leader" and "absolute star" at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Weaver's experience of playing and coaching in the AFC North could be appealing, as well.
JESSE MINTER
Interview requested: Jan. 14 Completed interview?: Yes (virtual) Second interview?: No Other interviews: Falcon, Dolphins, Raiders, Browns, Ravens, Titans Still in running?: No (hired by Ravens) Age: 42 Specialty: Defense
Why he's in the mix: Minter is one of the young, hot candidates in this hiring cycle, so this just seemed like it was a foregone conclusion just because he's young and a defensive-minded coach. That being said, Minter has some skins on the wall, winning a national championship at Michigan in 2023 and boasting a top-10 scoring unit in both of his seasons with the Chargers, including a No. 1 ranking in 2024. Minter's two-high-heavy scheme is very different from what the Steelers have run under Mike Tomlin, so his hiring would be bringing significant change to the way the Steelers play defense.
HIRINGS THROUGHOUT THE NFL
• Steelers: Mike McCarthy • Giants: John Harbaugh • Falcons: Kevin Stefanski • Dolphins: Jeff Hafley • Titans: Robert Saleh • Ravens: Jesse Minter • Browns: vacant • Raiders: vacant • Cardinals: vacant • Bills: vacant
THE ASYLUM
Head coach candidates tracker
Welcome to our tracker dedicated to the Steelers' search for the 17th head coach in franchise history.
Every time a new candidate is added to the list, starting with a request for an interview, we will update this tracker. We'll also update every time an interview is completed or if anything else new happens with the candidate
Under each candidate, you should find a snapshot of their resume and other details explaining other information about them or why they are in the running.
MIKE MCCARTHY
Interview requested: Jan. 18
Completed interview?: Yes (Jan. 21, in person)
Other interviews: Giants, Titans
Still in running?: Hired by Steelers
Age: 62
Specialty: Offense
Resume:
• Cowboys head coach (2020-2024)
• Packers head coach (2006-2018)
• 49ers offensive coordinator (2005)
• Saints offensive coordinator (2000-04)
• Packers quarterbacks coach (1999)
• Chiefs quarterbacks coach (1995-98)
• Chiefs offensive quality control (1993-94)
• Pitt wide receivers coach (1992)
• Pitt graduate assistant (1989-1991)
• Fort Hays State graduate assistant (1987-88)
Why he's in the mix: McCarthy is a Pittsburgh native with a wealth of experience as a head coach in the NFL. If the Steelers want to reunite with Aaron Rodgers, hiring McCarthy could make that a little more feasible as the two spent 13 seasons together in Green Bay. McCarthy also worked with Omar Khan in the Saints organization for two seasons (2000-01), so there are ties there, as well.
KLAY KUBIAK
Interview requested: Jan. 15
Completed interview?: Yes (Jan.18, virtual)
Second interview?: No
Other interviews: None
Still in running?: No
Age: 37
Specialty: Offense
Resume:
• 49ers offensive coordinator (2025-present)
• 49ers offensive passing game specialist (2024)
• 49ers assistant quarterbacks coach (2022-23)
• 49ers defensive quality control coach (2021)
• Strake Jesuit College Prep head coach (2018-2020)
• Strake Jesuit College Prep offensive coordinator (2013-15, 2017)
Why he's in the mix: When you think offensive in today's NFL, you think either Sean McVay or Kyle Shanahan. Kubiak has worked under the latter for the past five seasons. And, he comes from a good football family of his own. His brother, Klint Kubiak, is the Seahawks offensive coordinator and one of the most sought after names in this hiring cycle, and his father is Gary Kubiak, who spent 10 seasons as an NFL head coach.
JEFF HAFLEY
Interview requested: Jan. 15
Completed interview?: Yes (virtual)
Second interview?: No
Other interviews: Cardinals, Falcons, Raiders, Dolphins, Titans
Still in running?: No (hired by Dolphins)
Age: 46
Specialty: Defense
Resume:
• Packers defensive coordinator (2024-present)
• Boston College head coach (2020-2023)
• Ohio State co-defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach (2019)
• 49ers defensive backs coach (2016-18)
• Browns defensive backs coach (2014-15)
• Buccaneers defensive backs coach (2013)
• Buccaneers assistant defensive backs coach (2012)
• Rutgers defensive backs coach (2011)
• Pitt defensive backs coach (2008-2010)
• Pitt defensive assistant (2006-07)
• Albany defensive backs coach (2004-05)
• Albany defensive assistant (2002-03)
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute running backs coach (2001)
Why he's in the mix: Hafley brings 25 years of coaching experience to the job, both at the college and pro levels. His first crack at being a head coach resulted in a 22-26 record at Boston College, including three bowl invitations. However, that job was a springboard to joining Matt LaFleur's staff in Green Bay, in which he's coached units that finished fifth and 12th in total defense, respectively. The Packers' finish to the 2025 season will turn some sour against Hafley, but he's been able to get his players to produce. In 2024, the Packers finish third in the NFL in interceptions. The 2013 Buccaneers and 2014 Browns were also top three in interceptions with Hafley as defensive backs coach. Maybe Joe Haden will have something to say about him.
EJIRO EVERO
Interview requested: Jan. 15
Completed interview?: Yes (virtual)
Second interview?: No
Other interviews: Falcons, Raiders (second interview)
Still in running?: No
Age: 45
Specialty: Defense
Resume:
• Panthers defensive coordinator (2023-present)
• Broncos defensive coordinator (2022)
• Rams secondary coach/pass game coordinator (2021)
• Rams safeties coach (2017-2020)
• Packers defensive quality control coach (2016)
• 49ers defensive assistant (2014-15)
• 49ers offensive assistant (2012-13)
• 49ers quality control coach (2011)
• University of Redlands special teams coordinator/safeties coach (2010)
• Buccaneers defensive quality control coach (2007-09)
• UC Davis assistant coach (2005-06)
Why he's in the mix: Evero has been a name tossed around in the past couple of hiring cycles. He has extensive work as a coach on the defensive side of the ball, including four seasons as a defensive coordinator in the NFL. His three seasons with the Panthers have included rankings of fourth, last and 16th in total defense, respectively. With the Panthers' turnaround this season, Evero is getting a bit more attention. While I wouldn't consider him to be a strong candidate on the surface, the Steelers appear to be casting a wide net on candidates.
NATE SCHEELHAASE
Interview requested: Jan. 14
Completed interview?: Yes (Jan. 16, virtual)
Second interview?: Ineligible until week after conference championships
Other interviews: Ravens, Browns, Raiders
Still in running?: No
Age: 35
Specialty: Offense
Resume:
• Rams pass game coordinator (2025)
• Rams offensive assistant/pass game specialist (2024)
• Iowa State offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (2023)
• Iowa State running game coordinator/running backs, wide receivers coach (2021-22)
• Iowa State wide receivers coach (2019-2020)
• Iowa State running backs coach (2018)
• Illinois offensive assistant (2016-17)
• Illinois running backs coach/football operations (2015)
Why he's in the mix: Scheelhaase is a young offensive assistant that's coached under Sean McVay for two seasons, one of the most respected coaches in the NFL. He also has extensive work at Iowa State helping players such as Brock Purdy, Breece Hall, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel get drafted. He'd go against the precedent of choosing a defensive-minded coach, but all he's missing from his resume is a full-time coordinator role to be a slam-dunk hire. Even if he doesn't land the job, the Steelers could be bringing him in as a potential offensive coordinator, especially if another Rams assistant happens to be offered the role of head coach.
CHRIS SHULA
Interview requested: Jan. 14
Completed interview?: Yes (Jan. 16, virtual)
Second interview?: Ineligible until week after conference championships
Other interviews: Dolphins, Titans, Ravens
Still in running?: No
Age: 39
Specialty: Defense
Resume:
• Rams defensive coordinator (2024-present)
• Rams pass rush coordinator/linebackers coach (2023)
• Rams pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach (2022)
• Rams linebackers coach (2021)
• Rams outside linebackers coach (2019-2020)
• Rams assistant linebackers coach (2017-18)
• Chargers defensive quality control coach (2015-16)
• John Carroll defensive coordinator (2014)
• Indiana graduate assistant (2011-13)
• Ball State assistant linebackers coach (2010)
Why he's in the mix: The grandson of legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula, Chris Shula is one of the more sought after defensive names in this hiring cycle. While the Rams' peripheral defensive stats aren't eye-popping (17th in total defense, 10th in scoring), a deeper look shows they've been one of the more efficient units in the NFL this season, all while dedicating the least amount of money to that side of the ball. The Rams finished third in red zone efficiency and drives that ended in a turnover, fifth in takeaways, sixth in points against per drive, seventh in EPA/play, success rate, sacks and third down efficiency. Should Shula fit Art Rooney II's mold for being a good leader, he could be one of the favorites from this group.
BRIAN FLORES
Interview requested: Jan. 14
Completed interview?: Yes (Jan. 20, in person)
Second interview?: No
Other interviews: Ravens
Still in running?: No
Age: 44
Specialty: Defense
Resume:
• Vikings defensive coordinator (2023-present)
• Steelers senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach (2022)
• Dolphins head coach (2019-2021)
• Patriots linebackers coach (2016-18)
• Patriots safeties coach (2012-15)
• Patriots defensive assistant (2011)
• Patriots offensive assistant/special teams coach (2010)
• Patriots special teams assistant (2008-09)
• Patriots pro scout (2006-07)
• Patriots scouting assistant (2004-05)
Why he's in the mix: Flores is the only coach on this list with previous experience as an NFL head coach. And, he made a lot of great impressions during his one season in Pittsburgh. Flores has been thought to be one of the game's better defensive minds, and his resurgent success with the Vikings has made him a prime candidate for another head coaching gig.
ANTHONY WEAVER
Interview requested: Jan. 14
Completed interview?: Yes (virtual)
Second interview?: Yes (Jan. 23, in person)
Other interviews: Cardinals, Falcons, Ravens, Bills
Still in running?: No
Age: 45
Specialty: Defense
Resume:
• Dolphins defensive coordinator (2024-present)
• Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach (2022-23)
• Ravens defensive line coach/run game coordinator (2021)
• Texans defensive coordinator/defensive line coach (2020)
• Texans defensive line coach (2016-19)
• Browns defensive line coach (2014-15)
• Bills defensive line coach (2013)
• Jets assistant defensive line coach (2012)
• North Texas linebackers coach (2011)
• Florida graduate assistant (2010)
Why he's in the mix: Weaver has a long line of experience coaching defensive lines and has coached some extraordinarily good players during his tenure, including J.J. Watt, Mario Williams, Nnamdi Madubuike and Calais Campbell. Weaver has earned a lot of praise in the coaching fraternity, including from John Harbaugh, who called him a "great leader" and "absolute star" at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Weaver's experience of playing and coaching in the AFC North could be appealing, as well.
JESSE MINTER
Interview requested: Jan. 14
Completed interview?: Yes (virtual)
Second interview?: No
Other interviews: Falcon, Dolphins, Raiders, Browns, Ravens, Titans
Still in running?: No (hired by Ravens)
Age: 42
Specialty: Defense
Resume:
• Chargers defensive coordinator (2024-present)
• Michigan defensive coordinator (2022-23)
• Vanderbilt defensive coordinator/safeties coach (2021)
• Ravens defensive backs coach (2020)
• Ravens assistant defensive backs coach (2019)
• Ravens defensive assistant (2017-18)
• Georgia State defensive coordinator (2013-16)
• Indiana State defensive coordinator (2011-12)
• Indiana State linebackers coach (2009-2010)
• Cincinnati graduate assistant (2007-08)
• Notre Dame defensive intern (2006)
Why he's in the mix: Minter is one of the young, hot candidates in this hiring cycle, so this just seemed like it was a foregone conclusion just because he's young and a defensive-minded coach. That being said, Minter has some skins on the wall, winning a national championship at Michigan in 2023 and boasting a top-10 scoring unit in both of his seasons with the Chargers, including a No. 1 ranking in 2024. Minter's two-high-heavy scheme is very different from what the Steelers have run under Mike Tomlin, so his hiring would be bringing significant change to the way the Steelers play defense.
HIRINGS THROUGHOUT THE NFL
• Steelers: Mike McCarthy
• Giants: John Harbaugh
• Falcons: Kevin Stefanski
• Dolphins: Jeff Hafley
• Titans: Robert Saleh
• Ravens: Jesse Minter
• Browns: vacant
• Raiders: vacant
• Cardinals: vacant
• Bills: vacant
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!