The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of a search for the organization's next head coach, but a decision doesn't seem like it is going to be made soon. This is a matter that the franchise takes extremely seriously, which is evident from the way the team has had just three head coaches since 1969. Pittsburgh values loyalty, and that is what makes this opening so enticing to candidates. Mike Tomlin will possibly move on to television, but the franchise will look to get more innovative with its new coaching staff coming in for the 2026 season.
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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.
One place teams with head-coaching vacancies often look is Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Rams have been a coaching factory over the last nine years, and many within the fan base want Pittsburgh to hire either Chris Shula or Nate Scheelhaase as the team's next head coach. Both coaches have been contacted by the organization, but a second interview has to wait as the Rams are still alive in the postseason. Shula is the front runner to be the team's next head coach, while Scheelhaase could be brought along as his offensive coordinator. The two are also familiar with Raheem Morris, who fans might want too as the defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh -- but that seems unlikely.
Raheem Morris is waiting out head coaching chances - he’s involved in Arizona search - but is expected to have multiple defensive coordinator looks should he not get a head job, per sources.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 21, 2026
Morris has close ties to Kyle Shanahan (SF), Matt LaFleur (GB) and Dan Quinn (WSH). pic.twitter.com/l6oVmbl1MY
Scheelhaase is getting head-coaching looks elsewhere, but he has never even been a coordinator the professional level before. It would make sense if Shula got the job for him to follow. An ideal third coach would be Morris, but he is still in the mix for some head-coaching opportunities and he might choose a different defensive coordinator job.
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Former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens talks with Raheem Morris and Mike Tomlin after a game in 2023.
Morris, Shula, and Scheelhaase all coached together with the Rams before Morris left to be the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. That is the obvious connection that could draw the three of them together once again, this time in Pittsburgh. It feels unlikely that Morris would get another opportunity to be a head coach, but his close relationships with the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders, and San Francisco 49ers could present some issues. All three of those places have a vacancy at defensive coordinator.
Another factor to consider is whether or not Shula would want to call the defense, while also serving as the head coach. Head coaches calling offensive or defensive plays is more common than ever before, but if Morris can't call his own defense, he might not really entertain the opportunity.
This is all hypothetical, but it does seem like the Steelers really like Shula. Hopefully Scheelhaase decides he wants to be a coordinator before becoming a head coach, which could lead to him following Shula to Pittsburgh if that is the hire the franchise makes.
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Former Atlanta Falcons HC Raheem Morris stands on the sideline during his final game with the team.
Steelers Would Be Lucking Out Landing Raheem Morris As Defensive Coordinator
NFL fans probably don't have the best grasp on Morris as of right now after two poor seasons with the Falcons, but he is a pretty solid defensive coach. He helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI as the defensive coordinator, and he always provides some value as a former head coach. He coached Atlanta recently, and he also was the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier in his career. That is a good trait to have in a coordinator, especially with a first-time head coach running the show.
What do you think about the chances of Morris coming to Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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