Ranking Steelers’ Ideal NFL Head Coach Options If They Move On From Mike Tomlin

Ranking Steelers’ Ideal NFL Head Coach Options If They Move On From Mike Tomlin to be the……

Mike Tomlin has never endured a losing season in his 17 years at the helm of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it’s currently unclear if he’ll be back for an .

The Steelers lost to the Buffalo Bills during Super Wild Card Weekend, which marked the seventh consecutive season in which they failed to win a playoff game. They haven’t been to the AFC Championship Game since 2016, haven’t reached a Super Bowl since 2010 and haven’t won it all since Tomlin captured his lone ring during his second season in 2008

It’s been a rough stretch for the storied organization, which could result in a regime change as early as this offseason. Tomlin is heading into the final year of his contract, but his refusal to answer a question regarding his future during Monday’s postgame press conference—he walked off before the reporter could finish asking it—has fueled speculation about his potential departure.

Tomlin told Steelers players Tuesday that “the speculation about him is unfounded and he plans on coaching the team in 2024,” sources told NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo. But if the Steelers do part ways with the 51-year-old, they will find themselves in the rather unfamiliar position of conducting a head coaching search.

Tomlin was just the third coach to take the reins in Pittsburgh since Chuck Noll was hired in 1969. The franchise has plenty of allure, and it should draw heavy interest from some of the top candidates this hiring cycle if the job opens up.

With that in mind, here are the five top head coaching options the Steelers could explore this offseason if they choose to move on from Tomlin.

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy of the Washington Commanders reacts before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on January 7, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
The Washington Commanders began their offseason with a regime change, firing head coach Ron Rivera and bringing in Adam Peters as general manager.

While the holdovers from Rivera’s staff are still in place, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy could soon move on.

Bieniemy could be a popular O.C. interview this offseason, but the longtime Andy Reid understudy should also wind up as a head coaching candidate. The Steelers should give him real consideration for the latter position if it becomes vacant.

The 54-year-old landed on Reid’s coaching staff in 2013 as a running backs coach and moved up to become the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator in 2018. He won a pair of Super Bowls in that position before accepting a chance to become Washington’s play-caller ahead of the 2023 campaign. While the Commanders struggled through an ugly 4-13 season, the offense fared rather well early in the year.

Washington finished the season ranked 24th in total offense and 25th scoring, but it eclipsed the 20-point mark in eight of its first 10 games despite having inexperienced quarterback Sam Howell under center.

During that 10-game stretch, the second-year signal-caller completed 66.5 percent of his throws for 2,783 yards and 17 touchdowns. While he still had his flaws—he threw nine interceptions and lost two fumbles in that span—there should be little doubt that Bienemy maximized the talents of the fifth-rounder.

Bieniemy could have a similarly positive impact on Kenny Pickett, who needs a strong offensive coach to shepherd his development as he prepares for a critical third season.