The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through some major changes for the first time in a long time after the news broke on Tuesday that Mike Tomlin would be stepping down as the franchise's head coach. Many fans have been rooting for a coaching change for a long time, but it is now surreal that it is actually happening. Tomlin was still able to go out on his own terms, which is how it should be considering all he has done for the franchise. The organization will now begin searching for its next head coach, which will be just the fourth head coach hired in Pittsburgh since 1969.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers brass Art Rooney II, Omar Khan, and former head coach, Mike Tomlin during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tomlin stepping down comes as somewhat of a surprise, but most fans probably knew that this was going to be a possibility after the 2025 season. The former head coach has to be worn out, and now he can take the 2026 season off or join a broadcast network and take up a job on TV. It has already been reported that Tomlin has no interest in coaching elsewhere in 2026. The coach will now reevaluate his future, while the organization tries to find his replacement. This could also mean a complete staff overhaul according to former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, which he discussed on the most recent episode of his podcast, Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger.
"If they go outside the building, typically that new coach that comes in is going to probably look at the staff that's here," Roethlisberger explained. "See if there is someone here that he wants, maybe he'll interview and be like, 'I want to keep that.' But a lot of times, they're just going to bring in a new staff, and that just means it's a new building."
This is the most change that the Steelers have had in nearly two decades, but it is important to note that the organization kept both of its coordinators the last time there was a change at head coach. That should be considered a different story though, as Dick LeBeau was leading a very impressive defense and Bruce Arians had been promoted to offensive coordinator when Tomlin was hired.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith celebrate together by shaking hands after the game following a hard-fought win.
It should be assumed that Pittsburgh will look externally for its next head coach, and it will be up to them on whether or not certain members of the staff stay. It is far more likely that position coaches are able to keep their jobs over the coordinators, and there is a chance that Arthur Smith could secure a head coaching job elsewhere. He is interviewing with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday and the Arizona Cardinals would also like to interview him.
A staff overhaul is likely a good thing. Smith has been inconsistent at best in his role as the offensive play-caller during his tenure in the Steel City, while Teryl Austin has taken the highest-paid defense in the league and turned it into a below-average unit. Change was needed in spots other than head coach, and the fan base is going to get it more than likely.
Steelers Preparing For Whole New Coaching Staff
The Steelers will find a new head coach, and that coach can create his own staff. An example of this could be the franchise hiring Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula as its new head coach, as he is considered one of the favorites to land the job. He could then bring the Rams Passing Game Coordinator Nate Scheelhaase with him as his offensive coordinator.
John McCoy / AP photo
Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula roams the sideline while coaching his unit.
It would be some sort of collaboration like that, and that is a good thing for Pittsburgh as the franchise needs a fresh look throughout the coaching staff.
What do you think about the entire coaching staff being overhauled? Are there any coaches on the staff that you think should stay? Let us know in the comments below!
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