Report: Steelers Eyeing Prior Head Coach Candidate To Be Defensive Coordinator

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a decision on Saturday that will result in Mike McCarthy becoming the team's next head coach. Mike Tomlin abruptly stepped down after another embarrassing playoff loss, and now a new era is beginning in the Steel City. There will be plenty of change that ensues when it comes to both the coaching staff and roster. One fresh concept for the franchise will be the leader of the team running the offense, while a defensive coordinator will come in and likely have full autonomy over his unit. That makes the search for that role become extremely important.

Teryl Austin wasn't highly-favored in Pittsburgh for several years. He was an internal promotion of Tomlin, and didn't necessarily work out. He had all of the talent in the league at his disposal, but failed to truly produce a top-end unit. McCarthy will be tasked with finding Austin's replacement, and that could lead to some intriguing names interviewing for the role.

Almost immediately, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly connected Al Harris to the open role, who current operates as the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator for the Chicago Bears. There's another name to keep an eye on, however, as Kaboly reported on 93.7 The Fan on Monday morning that someone who interviewed for the head-coaching job will be in the mix.

"I mean the two names I heard right away with defensive coordinator was Al Harris, which makes a ton of sense, and the other one, surprisingly enough, I heard something about Anthony Weaver. I don't know if he'd be willing to come over here somehow," Kaboly said. "I heard that name being thrown around, too."

Anthony Weaver has spent plenty of time in the AFC North as a coach with both the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. He interviewed in person for the Steelers' top job on Friday, only for the organization to agree with McCarthy on Saturday afternoon. It seems as if, however, that he was impressive enough to potentially get a look as the defensive play-caller in the Steel City.

Weaver is a well-respected coach who will likely be looking for a role elsewhere due to the Miami Dolphins' coaching change. Jeff Hafley will be expected to run the defense, so Weaver should have plenty of opportunities. He hasn't officially been ruled out of other head-coaching searches, either. If he feels as if those are going to fall through, another interview with the Steelers could make sense.

McCarthy is going to need someone on the defensive side of things that knows what he is doing. If the Steelers' new head coach truly wants to focus on improving the offense in Pittsburgh, the defensive coordinator that is hired will have to be experienced. Getting the full reins to that side of the ball, and having all of that talent, will mean that expectations are going to be high yet again.

The Steelers brought in Weaver for an interview, and only three individuals got the opportunity to do that. He is known as a leader and motivator, which could be the exact traits that the defense in the Steel City needs from its next defensive coordinator. Time will tell, but Kaboly is plugged in and seems to think that the decision makers could be looking to bring Weaver in, just not for the position he was originally going for.

Steelers Can't Make Mistake With Defensive Coordinator Hire

Pittsburgh needs to land the perfect defensive coordinator if players on that side of the ball are going to be able to bounce back after so many years with Tomlin and Austin. Weaver is young and an up-and-comer. While he will continue to generate head-coaching interest as the years go on, it's never a bad thing to have someone like him on the staff. If he is removed from contention regarding the leftover openings, he very well could find his way to the Steel City as the next defensive coordinator.

Do you think that the Steelers should hire Weaver? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation