Mike Tomlin‘s exit from Pittsburgh officially closed one of the most remarkable chapters in modern NFL coaching history.
After 19 seasons at the helm, Tomlin stepped down following the 2025-26 campaign, leaving behind a standard of stability few franchises can match.
Throughout his tenure, the Steelers were defined by discipline and an unmistakable identity.
With the league’s longest-serving head coach now gone, attention has quickly shifted toward who might be capable of carrying that tradition forward.
Speculation around Tomlin‘s replacement has been widespread, but one opinion has stood out due to its source.
Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark, a Super Bowl champion who spent eight of his 13 NFL seasons in Pittsburgh, offered a compelling perspective.
Clark played a key role in some of the most successful years of the Tomlin era and has remained deeply connected to both the organization and his former coach.
His continued presence at team activities and open admiration for the Steelers have made his insights particularly meaningful.
Clark recently joined Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson on the “Inside the NFL On X” podcast, where the two discussed potential options for Pittsburgh‘s next head coach.
What began as a lighthearted exchange quickly turned serious when Clark identified a candidate he believes fits the Steelers mold almost perfectly. Rather than naming a familiar NFL coordinator, Clark looked to the college ranks for his ideal choice.
Why Marcus Freeman fits Pittsburgh
Clark pointed to Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman as the person he believes should lead the Steelers into their next era.
According to Clark, Freeman checks every box the organization typically values: intelligence, leadership, and attention to detail.
At just 40 years old, Freeman would instantly become one of the youngest head coaches in the NFL, yet Clark emphasized that his experience and composure extend far beyond his age.
“I think Marcus Freeman would be the perfect pick to be the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ next head coach,” Clark said.
“He’s young, he’s smart, he’s experienced, he’s an amazing leader. From an X’s and O’s standpoint, I know this more than anybody: the fakes on special teams, those decisions, those designs, that’s Marcus Freeman.
“When the man at the top was a former defensive coordinator, pours into special teams like that, I think that tells you what sort of man he is, but what sort of coach he is that he’ll do the little things as well.”
Under Freeman‘s leadership, Notre Dame has enjoyed consistent success, earning bowl appearances in each season and reaching the national championship game in 2025, where the Irish narrowly lost to Ohio State.
Freeman has also gained praise as a players’ coach, known for his ability to connect with athletes while holding them accountable.
While transitioning from college football to the NFL is never guaranteed, Clark believes Freeman‘s approach and football acumen make him uniquely suited for the challenge.
As Pittsburgh searches for its next leader, Freeman‘s name now carries significant weight in discussions about the franchise’s future direction.
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