Richard Sherman Knows Exactly Who The Steelers Need To Hire As Their New Head Coach

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of finding only their fourth head coach since the 1969 season. Of course, this is still shocking to the football world, as Mike Tomlin has led the Steelers for 19 seasons. Tomlin helped guide the team to a 10-7 record and an AFC North title, but after a 24-point home playoff loss, he felt it was the right time to step away from coaching at the age of 53. His departure marks the end of an era for a franchise that has prided itself on stability and consistency at the head coaching position.

Now, the Steelers are actively conducting interviews and searching for their next home run hire. Names like Brian Flores, Nate Scheelhaase, Chris Shula, and Jesse Minter have already emerged as potential candidates, along with several others. Each brings a unique set of experiences and philosophies, but the organization is clearly looking for someone who can maintain the team’s winning tradition while injecting fresh energy and innovation into the program.

One particularly intriguing idea is San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh. Recognized as one of the best cornerbacks to ever play the game, Richard Sherman praised the Steelers as the perfect fit for his former coach during his podcast on Monday. Sherman highlighted Saleh’s leadership, defensive expertise, and ability to develop players, suggesting that the partnership could be a natural and highly successful match for Pittsburgh’s next chapter.

"I think Robert Saleh is gonna get a job," Sherman said while speaking on his podcast. "Pittsburgh, again, just feels like that kind of defensive-minded, AFC North team that are kind of just grind it out, good cultures, keep coaches for a long time. Pittsburgh's a great fit."

It is no doubt that Pittsburgh would be a strong fit for Saleh. He was thrown into a messy situation when he was hired as the New York Jets head coach ahead of the 2021 NFL season. His tenure with the Jets, unfortunately, did not go as planned. 

Saleh struggled to win games and was eventually fired during the 2024 NFL season, largely due to the team’s inability to deliver results, even with Aaron Rodgers in the lineup. While his time there was challenging, many analysts agree that the circumstances he faced were unusually difficult for a newer head coach.

It is safe to say that if the Steelers were interested in hiring Saleh, Rodgers is likely out of the picture, as both sides already know how that experience played out. Nonetheless, it remains an intriguing possibility. Rodgers is not expected back in Pittsburgh for the 2026 season, but his teammates are vouching for him to come back.

Steelers Could Give Robert Saleh A Chance For Redemption

Since returning to the 49ers as defensive coordinator, Saleh has reignited the success that initially earned him the Jets’ head coaching job. His leadership, discipline, and ability to develop defensive talent have reminded many of why he was considered one of the NFL’s brightest young coaching minds.

Sometimes the situation truly matters. If the Steelers feel that Saleh is a strong leader of men with untapped potential as a head coach, they might take Sherman’s advice and give him a serious look. 

While he remains a controversial candidate and not everyone is sold on him, Sherman, who played under Saleh, believes he deserves a chance. According to Sherman, Pittsburgh could be the ideal environment for Saleh to thrive, rebuild his reputation, and prove that he can deliver results when given the right tools and support. All eyes remain on Pittsburgh as they search for their new head coach.

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