There is no doubt that the National Football League is in a better place when the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a handful of other organizations, are playing a strong brand of football. Some of the best fan bases in the world have the ability to completely alter television ratings, for better or for worse. That is why the league is likely rooting for the franchise in the Steel City to hit a home run when it comes to its fresh head-coaching search. With Mike Tomlin stepping down after nearly two decades, a massive decision is looming that could have a monumental impact.
Ron Schwane / Associated Press
Former Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin stands on the sidelines as he speaks into his headset during a regular season matchup on the road against the Cleveland Browns.
Tomlin removed himself from his post a day after the Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans. This was roughly a week late when it came to the intriguing coaching carousel that was already underway. Pittsburgh is an attractive job because of stability, but there will still be challenges to overcome due to the lack of a franchise quarterback and an aging roster.
Top candidates include two Los Angeles Rams masterminds. Chris Shula runs the defense for Sean McVay and Nate Scheelhaase is the passing game coordinator. The duo could very well be in the mix at the very end, but there's a caveat. Now that the Rams have moved on to the NFC Championship Game, it gets more complicated for the Steelers.
Per The Athletic, NFL rules state that now that the Divisional Round has wrapped up, coaches that are still competing for a Super Bowl are not allowed to meet teams in person about vacancies, only individuals whose teams lost can do so.
"Once the divisional round concludes, teams can begin holding in-person interviews, but only with candidates whose seasons have already ended," Denny Alfonso of The Athletic wrote.
This means that getting deep into the process with Shula and Scheelhaase is not fully possible until at least the 26th of January, a day after the two Conference Championship matchups, per Chris Adamski of TribLive.
Rams win tonight means the Steelers can’t conduct in-person interviews with Chris Shula or Nate Scheelhaase until next week (Jan 26)
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) January 19, 2026
While the Steelers have other candidates, there has been plenty of smoke surround both Shula and Scheelhaase. It seems as if Pittsburgh will be in a holding pattern for now, which can be a disadvantage if other teams start to scoop up top talent around the league. There are still seven spots to fill following the hires from the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons.
John McCoy / Associated Press
Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula roams the sidelines as his team participates in a regular-season football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
The Steelers haven't only been delayed a week when it comes to the Rams' duo. Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak is a very intriguing name when it comes to the coaching carousel.
However, because Tomlin stepped down in the middle of the playoffs and the Seahawks had a bye, he was ineligible to be interviewed, even virtually by Pittsburgh. Instead, the front office spoke with his brother, Klay Kubiak, who is also now free to interview at will after the San Francisco 49ers exit.
Meanwhile, the Steelers missed the early virtual window for Seahawks/ Broncos candidates because Tomlin was obviously still the coach.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) January 19, 2026
IF they are interested in coaches from those two teams (or the other two still playing), those also have to wait — even initial, virtual. pic.twitter.com/LGb3PwoE0Z
There are a lot of moving pieces when hiring a new coach, and rules have changed over the years. For Pittsburgh, whatever Commissioner Roger Goodell and his team have put in place has not mattered over the last two decades because of Tomlin's presence.
Morry Gash / Associated Press
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks to reporters at a Super Bowl LVI news conference outside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California..
Steelers Are Going To Take Their Sweet Time With New Head Coaching Hire
While it may be a stressful time for fans as they decide which individual they want to be Pittsburgh's next head coach; this is a process. Because of the organization's reputation of loyalty, the hiring crew is going to check off every box before even making an initial offer. This is why the delay in the Shula and Scheelhaase second interviews may be a good thing. It gives the franchise time to assess other candidates and make sure it has the right final couple of options.
Do you think the NFL rules will lead to the Steelers getting left behind in the 2026 coaching carousel? Let us know in the comments below!
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