Steelers Landing "Battle-Tested Coach" As Defensive Coordinator Would Have A Big Mike Tomlin Connection

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a new era as they have verbally agreed to a deal to hire Mike McCarthy to be their next head coach. This marks only their fourth head coach hire since 1969, underscoring just how rare and significant a transition like this is for the franchise. With McCarthy now in place, the immediate focus shifts to the construction of his coaching staff, a process that will shape the identity of the team for years to come.

Naturally, the offensive and defensive coordinator positions are generating the most buzz. Those two hires will reveal a great deal about McCarthy’s vision, philosophy, and the direction he wants the Steelers to take on both sides of the ball. It’s an exciting time for fans and observers alike, as each rumor and potential candidate spark debate about how the new regime might differ from what Pittsburgh has seen in recent seasons.

One particularly intriguing possibility mentioned by Steelers insider Brian Batko is former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris. Former Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was reportedly very high on Morris, and while it’s unclear whether Art Rooney II and Omar Khan are seeking Tomlin’s input, it would make sense for them to consider his past praise. 

Morris is currently available after being fired by the Falcons, and if he doesn’t land another head coaching job, the Steelers could be in position to benefit by bringing in Tomlin’s longtime friend as their next defensive coordinator, per Batko.

"One of Mike Tomlin’s closest friends; would that make it weird? Morris is open for business after Atlanta fired him, so this would be even more similar to the Arthur Smith path," Batko wrote. "But if Morris wants to get right back to work in 2026, he’s a battle-tested coach — and might even land right back at the helm of a team in Arizona."

Morris finished his two seasons as the Falcons’ head coach with a losing record, going 16–18 overall, and was fired after missing the playoffs in the 2025 season. Many were surprised by the decision, especially because he closed out the 2025 campaign on a four-game winning streak. He could still land one of the vacant head coaching jobs around the league, but if he doesn’t, the Steelers could be in a very fortunate position to take advantage of his availability.

There are several vacant jobs that Morris could land, as he is widely respected for his defensive acumen. While questions remain about his abilities as a head coach, there is little doubt about what Morris can bring as a defensive coordinator. 

He helped the Los Angeles Rams win the Super Bowl in 2021 during his tenure as their defensive coordinator. If McCarthy wants to make a bold, strong, and exciting splash with his first major hire, he would be wise to make a serious push to bring Morris to Pittsburgh.

Steelers Can Quickly Establish Themselves In This Next Era Of The Franchice

In the end, the Steelers’ next chapter will be defined by the choices McCarthy makes in the coming weeks. Building the right staff is more than optics; it sets culture, identity, and weekly competitive edge. A potential hire like Morris would signal ambition and a commitment to elite defense, while also injecting fresh perspective into the organization. 

It would also be exciting for a player such as TJ Watt. Pittsburgh has long valued stability, but this moment calls for smart, decisive innovation. If McCarthy strikes the right balance between experience and creativity, the Steelers can quickly reestablish themselves as contenders and give fans real optimism for what lies ahead there.

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