The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of different options to replace Mike Tomlin as the team's head coach. Even as the interviews begin, there are more potential candidates getting looks so the organization can see if who can fill Tomlin's big shoes. This is definitely an exciting time for the fans, as it has been almost two decades since the last time Pittsburgh was looking for a new leader. After many years stuck in mediocrity, the hope is that the new coach can provide the boost that is desperately needed to get over the hump.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a postseason matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans.
Despite the fact that the Steelers have yet to announce that these interviews have concluded, it seems like they are still happening, as Gerry Dulac reported that the team is bringing Brian Flores into the building for a second interview, which is his first in-person interview with the franchise's brass.
Steelers will talk to former Packers coach Mike McCarthy and have a second in-person interview with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores this week as they search for Mike Tomlin's replacement, per sources.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) January 18, 2026
After a rough head coaching stint with the Miami Dolphins, Flores has completely revived his reputation while running the defense for the Minnesota Vikings. He has supposedly learned a lot after his first chance as a team leader, but the only way to find out for sure is to hire him and see exactly how much different he is now. Luckily, he was in Pittsburgh for a year as an assistant coach, so the team has an idea of how he has grown.
Karl Roser
Brian Flores spent one year with the Steelers as an assistant coach during his lawsuit with the NFL.
Flores' defensive scheme fits the Steelers' mold exactly. He teaches his unit to be very fearsome and aggressive while also being smart enough to confuse opposing quarterbacks. Bringing in a guru like him would be a major boost to a unit that severely underperformed all throughout the 2025 season. If he can get Pittsburgh's defense to play up to its potential, the team could truly be feared in the postseason.
Steelers Have A Major Edge In The Flores Sweepstakes
As mentioned before, Flores has spent a year in the Steelers' organization. He already has a relationship with guys like Art Rooney II and other key pieces. One of the teams trying to hire him is the Baltimore Ravens, who he learned a little more about during his time in Pittsburgh. As they say: once a Steeler, always a Steeler. Hopefully, that sentiment will ring true and he will come back and coach the Steelers to more wins over Baltimore.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Former Steelers defensive assistant Brian Flores stands on the field as the team practices at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
What do you think about Flores getting a second interview? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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