The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for a new head coach entering the 2026 offseason. This is the first time the organization will have a new head coach in nearly two decades. The Steelers are notorious for hanging on to head coaches throughout the franchise's storied history. Now, the hiring committee will have to look at someone who can change things up, as the team has not won a playoff game in nine years and lost seven postseason contests in a row. This is a trend that Steelers fans are starving to see change. The black and gold faithful are used to making AFC Championship Cames and winning Super Bowls.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a postseason matchup between Pittsburgh and the Houston Texans.
While speculation has been running rampant with the vacancy being a much-desired job, the Steelers could go in several different directions with their upcoming new hire at head coach. There have been defensive-minded as well as offensive-minded coordinators cited in the Steelers' search.
Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula and their passing game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase have been noted as some up-and-coming potential coaches for the Steelers. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero has now named an intriguing sleeper candidate for the Steelers next head coach.
"There are some wild cards like Klay Kubiak, the 49ers' offensive coordinator," Pelissero said. "Kyle Shanahan absolutely loves him. He is the other Kubiak in this cycle because Klint Kubiak did a whole bunch of interviews during Seattle's bye week, but don't overlook the possibility of Klay Kubiak potentially emerging if these Steelers, for the first time in all those years, are willing to go with a coach with an offensive background rather than defense."
Klay Kubiak, the San Francisco 49ers' offensive coordinator, has done some great work for the team. Kubiak, the son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak, has the 49ers headed to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, even though they have battled through several injuries throughout the year. Most recently, tight end George Kittle sustained an achilles injury, effectively ending his 2025 season.
However, Klay Kubiak has found ways to keep things rolling in San Francisco, including a win on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs despite Kittle going down early on in the matchup.
Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP
49ers Offensive Coordinator Klay Kubiak.
Steelers' Approach To Finding Next Head Coach
The Steelers have commonly been linked to defensive-minded candidates for their next head coach. Former Head Coach Mike Tomlin was a defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings before the Steelers hired him as head coach.
The Steelers have also been linked to Brian Flores, who currently serves as the defensive coordinator for the Vikings. However, the Steelers may be better served in shifting to an offensive mind such as Klay Kubiak as they look for their next head coach to fill Tomlin's shoes.
The Steelers' most recent playoff loss was brutal, as the offense put up just six points in a 30-6 defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans. Pittsburgh postseason losses of late have essentially been non-competitive. On Monday night, the Steelers' offense continued to push that narrative. While Houston does boast a top defense in the NFL, Pittsburgh also struggled to find any answers to open up its offense.
Considering their recent struggles in the postseason, hiring an offensive-minded coach such as Klay Kubiak can improve these performances for the Steelers. This is something Steelers fans are longing for, as the playoff skid is nearing a decade.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Steelers defensive assistant Brian Flores stands on the field as the team practices at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers have long been known to have a ferocious defense in their storied history. However, the days of those Steel Curtain types of defenses have passed and the NFL landscape has changed as well. Klay Kubiak's innovative play-calling in San Francisco is a big part of the reason it was able to win a playoff game despite being decimated with injuries. Klay Kubiak would be a great fit in Pittsburgh based off of his offensive background and considering he is just 37 years old.
Would you like to see the Steelers hire an offensive-minded coach such as Klay Kubiak? Let us know in the comments below!
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