The Pittsburgh Steelers are at an interesting crossroads. They’re staring down a future that may be without Mike Tomlin, their head coach since 2007. That postseason performance has left the team on a seven-game postseason losing streak. They’ve never once led in any second-half snaps, pushing the organization’s hand to make painful decisions on its coaching future. The recent passing of Dan Rooney in 2017, a pivotal figure in the franchise’s history who hired three successful coaches, adds an emotional layer to this transition.
As those conversations continue, clearer candidates are beginning to emerge. Of those, one name — former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy — jumps off the page as a home run hire. The Steelers’ coaching history is deep in tradition. Whoever the next coach is, they’ll be picking up on a storied legacy and running with a strong, young roster headlined with up-and-coming players like Joey Porter Jr. and T.J. Watt.
The Legacy of Dan Rooney
Dan Rooney’s imprint on the Steelers is incalculable. He was instrumental in shaping the team’s successful culture by hiring three head coaches: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin. Though each coach had their own individual style and philosophy, it was evident that every one contributed to the franchise’s famous legacy of winning. In 1969, Noll came aboard as a bright 37-year-old defensive backs coach. He was instrumental in forming a roster that produced a dynasty that would win four Super Bowl championships.
Bill Cowher soon followed in 1992, taking over at the tender age of 35. During his tenure, the Steelers were victorious in Super Bowl XL in 2005. This upset victory further cemented Cowher’s place among the franchise’s all-time greats. Tomlin’s hiring in 2007 came with just one year of experience as a defensive coordinator, yet he quickly proved his worth by continuing the organization’s winning tradition.
Rooney’s passing left a huge hole in the organization. Though he has passed, his indelible legacy of what he demanded and the coaches he chose continues via the culture he established. As the Steelers look to the future, they need to think about how to best honor this legacy while embracing a new future.
Current Coaching Landscape
As the Steelers scour the NFL landscape in search of their next head coach, a few names have begun to emerge among the speculation. Among the like candidates, Mike McCarthy has the distinct advantage of Super Bowl experience. Having led the Packers to a championship and guided multiple successful seasons, McCarthy brings a wealth of knowledge that could reinvigorate the Steelers’ strategy.
The next under-50 dark horse candidate is Jim Leonhard, now the Broncos’ defensive pass game coordinator, at 43. His knowledge of defensive schemes would serve a squad that has faltered in the clutch. Zach Orr, the Ravens’ new defensive coordinator, offers a new vision, albeit from an unexpectedly young 33-year-old. His relatively young energy could potentially resonate well with a talented, young, impressionable roster.
These candidates provide a unique combination of institutional knowledge and new vision. The Steelers should continue to pursue their wisdom as they move forward through this make-or-break crossroads.
Young Talent on the Rise
The Steelers are not merely focused on their coaching search. They are excited about their recent draft classes that have added significant talent to their roster. The 2017 draft class was highlighted by future Hall of Famer T.J. Watt. Since then, he has proven to be one of the league’s best defensive players. The 2023 draft class has largely been a mixed bag of promising contributors. Standout prospects have been cornerback Joey Porter Jr., pass rusher Herbig, and players with positional versatility in Broderick Jones, Keeanu Benton, and Darnell Washington.
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