Steelers Make First Head Coach Interview Since Mike Tomlin's Resignation

Pittsburgh Steelers logo ahead of NFL Draft in 2024.

Mike Tomlin stepping down has finally pushed the Pittsburgh Steelers into a head coaching search they almost never have to do, and they are already casting a wide net. 

One name popping as a serious swing is Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, with Pittsburgh putting in a request to interview him as they begin their first true reset at the top in nearly two decades.

Steelers president Art Rooney II has made it clear the next coach has to be a tone setter and a leader first, and Weaver’s reputation around the league is that he commands a room.

Weaver Fits Steelers' Identity

Weaver’s resume also fits the Steelers’ usual comfort zone, even if this process is anything but usual. He’s a former Baltimore Ravens defensive end who lived the AFC North grind, then worked his way up as a coach from position groups to bigger responsibilities. 

Before landing in Miami, he coached on Baltimore’s staff again and carried the assistant head coach title. 

His Dolphins defenses have been a mixed bag across two seasons, with a strong first year that included top tier run defense and a solid pass unit, followed by a step back this season when injuries and inconsistency showed up in the rankings, but teams looking for a head coach are betting on the teacher and the culture builder as much as the year to year numbers.

Who Else are Steelers Eyeing?

The Steelers are also doing their homework elsewhere, with interview requests tied to Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula and Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, plus interest in Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores as another high profile defensive mind with Pittsburgh ties. 

Still, Weaver has a very “Steelers” kind of profile, battle tested, respected, and steeped in the division’s brand of football. 

If Pittsburgh wants a coach who can stabilize the locker room after a Tomlin era exit and immediately set a defensive identity, Weaver is exactly the type of candidate who can climb quickly into the finalists.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images