The Pittsburgh Steelers are accelerating their search for a new head coach following Mike Tomlin‘s recent departure, and the organization is leaving no stone unturned.
Sources indicate that the Steelers are exploring both familiar faces and rising candidates across the NFL landscape.
Among the names generating attention are former Packers coach Mike McCarthy and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette gave an update on the Steelers‘ pursuit of Flores on Sunday afternoon.
“Steelers will talk to former Packers coach Mike McCarthy and have a second in-person interview with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores this week as they search for Mike Tomlin‘s replacement,” Dulac posted on Twitter.
Flores, 44, previously led the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2022, compiling a record that included notable rebuilding efforts.
After being let go, Flores filed a class-action discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and three teams in 2022, highlighting ongoing conversations about diversity and opportunity within the league.
Despite that, Flores remained connected to football, first serving as a linebackers coach and defensive assistant for the Steelers in 2022 before taking the defensive coordinator role with the Vikings in 2023.
Pittsburgh is taking a close look at Flores‘ accomplishments with Minnesota, where his defense performed at an elite level.
“The Vikings defense ranked in the top five in the NFL in passing yards (158.5 – 2nd), total yards (301.8 – 3rd), and third-down percentage (34.5% – 4th),” Dulac reported.
Owner Art Rooney II and General Manager Omar Khan are overseeing the head coach search, with several other staff members providing input.
Multiple candidates have already been interviewed, including Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, and Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
The Steelers have also requested discussions with Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, Chargers DC Jesse Minter, Panthers DC Ejiro Evero, and 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak.
Steelers will talk to former Packers coach Mike McCarthy and have a second in-person interview with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores this week as they search for Mike Tomlins replacement, per sources.
? Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) January 18, 2026
McCarthy and the allure of a familiar face
A particularly notable candidate is Mike McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native who led the Green Bay Packers to victory over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.
The Steelers reportedly plan to conduct an in-person interview with McCarthy, who brings decades of head coaching experience and a Super Bowl pedigree to the table.
ESPN have highlighted McCarthy‘s ability to manage quarterbacks and cultivate winning cultures, qualities that could resonate with a franchise looking to maintain continuity while also evolving.
Adding another layer to the search, Flores and McCarthy represent contrasting backgrounds: Flores with a defensive, analytical focus and McCarthy with a veteran, offensive-minded approach.
The Steelers appear to be weighing both philosophies as they consider the next era of leadership in Pittsburgh.
As of now, only two of the NFL‘s nine current head coaching openings have been filled.
The New York Giants signed former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to a five-year deal, and the Atlanta Falcons appointed former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski over the weekend.
For the Steelers, who have a storied history and a passionate fan base, the decision will set the tone for the next decade.
With multiple interviews scheduled and candidates ranging from experienced Super Bowl winners to innovative coordinators, the Steelers‘ next hire promises to generate both excitement and scrutiny.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Pittsburgh navigates one of the most important decisions in recent franchise history.
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