The coaching candidate market is clearing up for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they're narrowing in on their top choices. But here's where it gets interesting: the recent moves by their AFC North rivals have had a significant impact on their plans.
The Steelers' rivals' moves create an opportunity.
The recently fired coaches of the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns have both found new head coaching jobs, which means the Steelers' competition for top candidates has decreased. This development has created an intriguing scenario for the Steelers as they aim to secure their next head coach.
First, let's talk about John Harbaugh, the former Ravens coach. Despite his impressive track record and age (63), Harbaugh was not on the Steelers' radar for interviews. This could be due to his long-standing association with their biggest rival. However, his move to the New York Giants has opened up a new path for the Steelers.
Similarly, Kevin Stefanski, the two-time NFL Coach of the Year, was never a serious contender for the Steelers. His recent hiring by the Atlanta Falcons further reduces the competition.
Now, let's delve into the candidates the Steelers are seriously considering. They've requested interviews with several defensive coordinators, including Ejiro Evero from the Carolina Panthers, Jeff Hafley from the Green Bay Packers, Jesse Minter from the Los Angeles Chargers, and Anthony Weaver from the Miami Dolphins.
Hafley, in particular, has emerged as a frontrunner for the Dolphins' head coaching position. His virtual interview with the Steelers was initially scheduled for Friday but was pushed back. This delay could indicate that Hafley is close to joining the Dolphins, but the outcome of his interview with the Steelers remains unclear.
The Miami Dolphins have already conducted virtual interviews with Minter and Shula, both of whom are on the Steelers' radar.
The Steelers have reportedly interviewed two members of the Los Angeles Rams' coaching staff, Nate Scheelhasse and Chris Shula, virtually. They also plan to meet with Minter and have requested interviews with Klay Kubiak from the San Francisco 49ers and Brian Flores from the Minnesota Vikings.
Interestingly, the Baltimore Ravens have confirmed virtual interviews with Scheelhaase, Shula, and Minter, showing a potential overlap in coaching staff interest.
One unique aspect of the Steelers' process is their discretion. Unlike most teams, they do not publicly announce virtual interviews on social media. However, they are expected to make their in-person interviews known.
In-person interviews with current NFL team employees are prohibited until Monday, giving recently fired coaches like Harbaugh and Stefanski a potential advantage.
The Steelers' plans could also be influenced by the outcomes of this weekend's NFC Divisional Round playoff games. If the Rams and/or 49ers advance, their coaching staff members will remain unavailable for in-person interviews.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of college football. Curt Cignetti, the Indiana coach born in Pittsburgh, revealed an interesting anecdote. He was offered a chance to join the Green Bay Packers 26 years ago but chose NC State instead. Cignetti's decision highlights the allure of college football and the unique considerations it brings to the NFL coaching market.
So, the question remains: who will the Steelers choose as their next head coach? With the market clearing up and some intriguing candidates on the table, the Steelers' decision-making process is sure to spark debate. What do you think? Who should be their top choice, and why? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
