As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate their first head coaching search in nearly two decades, former franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger offered a candid perspective that diverges sharply from some of the league’s prevailing talk.
With Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores currently in the mix for the job, Roethlisberger publicly questioned whether Flores‘s defensive background is the right fit for the next era of Steelers football.
Flores, 44, completed an in-person interview with the Steelers on Tuesday as they continue an in-depth vetting process following the resignation of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin.
Pittsburgh also plans to interview veteran coach Mike McCarthy and has already interviewed several other assistants, both virtually and in person.
“I love Brian Flores. I think he’d be great,” Roethlisberger said on his Footbahlin podcast.
“The only downside I see is he’s a defensive-minded guy, and it’s just, you heard me say I want offense…”
Roethlisberger expanded on that theme, arguing that the Steelers‘ historical identity as a defensive power may need adjustment in today’s NFL.
“Let’s bring a head coach in that’s offensive-minded and allow him to then bring in a defensive coordinator,” he said, emphasizing the benefit of offensive leadership that can build a balanced team.
“The best offensive-minded head coaches that call plays, you know what they do on defense? They’re sitting on the bench, talking to their quarterback, while their defense is on the field.”
Those comments tap into a deeper debate around Pittsburgh‘s direction.
The Steelers finished the 2025 season 10-7 with flashes of both promise and inconsistency, particularly on offense.
While their defense under Flores in Minnesota ranked among the NFL‘s best, pacing the NFC in several key categories, the offense often struggled to sustain drives and convert in critical moments.
Over the last decade, Pittsburgh‘s offensive unit has had notable highs and lows, fueling a belief that a coach whose expertise lies in creative offensive scheming could unlock a new phase of success.
At the same time, Flores‘s résumé is formidable on paper. He helped transform the Vikings‘ defense into one of the league’s most disruptive units in 2025 and previously spent time as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach under Tomlin in 2022.
His prior head coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins, where he posted consecutive winning seasons, adds another layer of credibility.
Flores’s candidacy as the Steelers come closer to a decision
Despite Roethlisberger‘s reservations, Flores has support within NFL circles as a strong candidate.
Some executives and analysts see his combination of defensive savvy and leadership qualities as well-suited to Pittsburgh‘s culture, which has traditionally valued physicality and defensive rigor.
Still, the head coaching interview process is far from over. According to team reports and local media, Steelers officials have conducted virtual interviews with a wide range of candidates, including assistants experienced on both sides of the ball.
The next step, in-person interviews, has brought Flores and McCarthy to the forefront, and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is expected to have a second in-person meeting with Pittsburgh‘s brass.
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