Steelers Targeted As Landing Spot For A Special Assistant Who Was Once Mike Tomlin's Competition

After the Pittsburgh Steelers fell apart at the end of the 2024 season, fans wanted someone's head on a platter. The call for Head Coach Mike Tomlin to be fired grew even louder, but many fans said the entire coaching staff should be wiped out and fresh ideas should be brought in. That has never been the Steelers' modus operandi. They have had dry spells before and have stood by their head coaches, particularly if they are under contract. 

When the 2023 season was over, many fans thought they would or should let Tomlin go, but instead, owner Art Rooney II gave him a contract extension that keeps him in Pittsburgh at least through the 2027 season. Rooney recently told the media there would be changes, but not the kind of "wholesale changes" the fans demand. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has only been with the team for one season, and Rooney also said he is looking forward to seeing how he will perform in year two. He said he is hoping some continuity will help. 

This leaves fans wondering what changes are even left to make that would have a significant impact if they are sticking with the same top coaches. One possibility that has come up is the hiring of some kind of special assistant to give guidance to offense or defense. Pittsburgh did this with Brian Flores a few years ago, so they could do it again. Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette dropped an interesting name while on the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show. 

"Ron Rivera, who also took some interviews in this hiring cycle," said Fittipaldo. "And Ron Rivera actually was one of the guys who interviewed with Mike Tomlin way back in 2007. Yeah, there's some guys out there like that. If you can get one of those former OCs or former head coaches to come in here and take a look at things and maybe put a different spin on how you're operating, I don't think that would be a bad idea at all."

Adam Crowley, one of the show's co-hosts, said he also thought Mike McCarthy, the former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, or Bobby Slowik, the former offensive coordinator of the Houston Texans, could be possibilities. Fittipaldo said that someone like that is definitely possible. McCarthy was in line for the New Orleans Saints head job, but withdrew his name, saying he would focus on the 2026 hiring cycle. 

Ron Rivera was the head coach of the Washington Commanders until he was fired after the 2023 season. Before becoming a head coach, he served as a defensive coordinator. He was a finalist for the top job in Pittsburgh when the organization hired Tomlin to succeed Bill Cowher. He credits his excellent conversations with Steelers leadership for helping him land the head job with the Carolina Panthers instead. He has interviewed with multiple teams this offseason, including the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and the New York Jets. 

The Steelers Might Have A Long Road Ahead Of Them

Fittipaldo believes the Steelers might have a long road ahead of them and thinks Rooney knows it. During Rooney's recent media session, he acknowledged that the team doesn't look much closer than it did after 2023. 

While fans are focused on the quarterback situation, Fittipaldo pointed out that the team has more issues than just that. He said they will have to acquire some offensive weapons and build up the defensive line before they can find real postseason success. They will also have quite a few free agents they have to replace. He thinks a terrible 2025 season could be good for the team. While they won't tank for draft picks, they can make a top-ten pick in 2026 if they get there organically.

Do you think the Steelers will hire a special assistant? If so, who would you realistically like to see? Tell us what you think below!

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