The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a new era now that longtime head coach Mike Tomlin has stepped away. After the Steelers lost 30–6 to the Houston Texans at home in the Wild Card Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs, Tomlin reportedly felt responsible for the disappointing performance and believed he owed it to Steeler Nation to step aside at the age of 53. His departure marks the end of an era defined by consistency, leadership, and accountability. These traits made him one of the most respected figures in the NFL. For many fans, the loss felt like a turning point for the franchise rather than just another playoff defeat.
Steph Chamber / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin tosses a challenge flag on the field as his team participates in a regular season matchup at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
Tomlin began his career in Pittsburgh as an under-the-radar hire who quickly silenced doubters. He won a Super Bowl early in his tenure and built an impressive playoff résumé during his first several seasons. Over time, postseason success became harder to come by, with the team failing to win a playoff game since the 2016 season. Despite strong regular season performances and his ability to keep the locker room united, frustration grew among parts of the fan base who believed the team had stalled when it mattered most.
Now Steelers fans are eagerly watching the head-coaching search unfold, hopeful that the organization can strike gold once again. Back in 2007, few people around the league knew much about Tomlin, but the Steelers saw something special and their decision proved to be the right one. That little-known coach with limited experience took the league by storm. According to Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, the team may now be in a similar position, with a chance to find a young, relatively unheard-of coach with a Tomlin-like presence who could lead the next great chapter of Pittsburgh football. That may just be Los Angeles Rams Pass Game Coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase.
"I'm not going to say he's the top guy because some of these candidates still have to interview in person with [Art Rooney II], and he's the one who will make the call," Dulac said. "But I will say Scheelhaase was an impressive interview, which fits with what other NFL people think of him. Hmmm, so was Tomlin..."
Obviously, this is not Dulac saying that Scheelhaase is guaranteed to be hired or that he will become the next Tomlin. However, it is still an interesting observation coming from someone who is deeply connected to the Steelers and the inner workings of the organization.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Dulac is well tapped in, and it is possible he is hinting at Scheelhaase because he senses that the young coach is beginning to rise quickly and gain real traction within league circles.
The Steelers were reportedly very impressed with Scheelhaase after conducting a virtual interview. He is a former quarterback who went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft, but he quickly pivoted into coaching and player development. He began his career working in football operations at Illinois, the same school where he played college football.
He steadily worked his way up through the program until 2017, when he moved on to Iowa State. Nearly every season, Scheelhaase earned a promotion within the offensive staff, building a reputation as a fast riser with a strong football mind.
Steelers May Follow The 2007 Hiring Playbook
Like Tomlin back in 2007, Scheelhaase still has limited NFL coaching experience, but his trajectory is similar. He served as an offensive assistant for the Rams in 2024 and worked as a passing game specialist. In 2025, he was promoted to pass game coordinator and has been credited with much of the Rams’ offensive success over the past two seasons.
AP Photo / Kyusung Gong
Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase throws the ball before an NFL preseason football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif.
That is certainly exciting for Steelers fans, and Scheelhaase does give off those same 2007 vibes, the feeling of a young coach on the verge of something bigger. If hired, he would be put to the test quick with Pittsburgh's uncertain quarterback situation and young QB Will Howard.
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