The Steelers continue adding candidates in their search for a new head coach. They’ve requested interviews with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Vikings D-coordinator Brian Flores and Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, per reports from Tom Pelissero of NFL Network and Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Looking for a replacement for Mike Tomlin, whose 19-year run with the franchise ended Tuesday, the Steelers previously sent out interview requests for Rams assistants Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase. Aside from Scheelhaase, all of the Steelers’ early candidates come with a defensive background. The same was true of Tomlin when the Steelers hired him in January 2007.
Minter doesn’t have any head coaching experience, but his strong work as an assistant has made him a hot commodity across the league. All nine teams with a head coaching vacancy have either requested an interview or have conducted one with the 42-year-old, who has effectively teamed with Jim Harbaugh over the past few seasons.
Minter was Harbaugh’s D-coordinator at Michigan from 2022-23. He followed Harbaugh to the Chargers after a national championship-winning campaign with the Wolverines. The Chargers’ defense has ranked near the top of the league in back-to-back seasons under Minter. The unit finished 2024 first in scoring and 11th in yards, and it ranked ninth in scoring and fifth in yards this season.
Flores, who went 24-25 as the Dolphins’ head coach from 2019-21, was on Tomlin’s staff in Pittsburgh in 2022. He served as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach that year. Flores then left to run the Vikings’ defense, a group that finished 2025 third in yards and seventh in points. Flores’ contract is now up after three successful seasons, but head coach Kevin O’Connell has made it known that retaining him is a high priority. However, the Vikings will have to fend off teams that consider Flores a head coaching candidate and others that want him as a defensive coordinator.
Weaver has already held head coaching interviews with the Cardinals, Falcons and Ravens in the past week. A former defensive lineman with the Ravens and Texans from 2002-08, Weaver has coached with those two teams and the Jets, Bills, Browns and Dolphins since 2012. He was the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator from 2024-25, but with head coach Mike McDaniel out, Weaver’s future in Miami is uncertain. Even if the 45-year-old doesn’t leave the Dolphins for a head coaching job, he could be an assistant elsewhere in 2026.
This job opening screams Mike McCarthy. He is from Pittsburgh, is an experienced/super bowl winning HC, and it seems to be his dream job.
@guilderc. McCarthy is too old. Probably Shula or Minter is my guess. Although i’m guessing ravens bring Minter back.
McCarthy just feels like a safe hire for them, imo. I don’t think the age is an issue because I’d imagine they’re looking for a guy with HC experience.
I think Baltimore pushes hard for a defensive minded guy to be HC and then hires a good OC. Like a Vance Joseph for HC with a Kingsbury for OC. Maybe Davis Webb follows Vance Joseph? Or they’ll just grab Stefanski.
@guilderc. Steelers get a forever coach. Only four coaches in their history. Baltimore will get Minter unless jesse declines it because his dad gave john his first opportunity and he’s been with both but jim the last four years.
Steelers have had 16 head coaches in their history. Tomlin was their third since 1969.
Yes and all of the coaches before Chuck Noll had a losing overall record except two.
From the press conference, Harbaugh and Bisciotti are on good terms. He said they both recommended what’s next for each of their paths, him seemingly recommending he go to the Giants which he is, and Harbaugh making recommendations of what direction they go. My guess is that was a recommendation for one of his assistants like Minter.
@realfootballfan. Haven’t seen that they left on good terms, but it makes sense it was probably a mutual spilt like tomlin. Rick Minter gave john his start, so I was thinking that was the only thing to hold it back if things went south.i dont think Minter will need a interview, but he needs a OC maybe that’s where Lamar can have input, and pick one.
@guilderc: He actually might be too old. Steelers don’t want to have to do another HC search in a few years when McCarthy retires.
I’ll be surprised if he even gets an interview. Steelers want a certain type of team, certain type of coach. It’ll be a young guy and a defensive background coach more than likely.
Shula is the favorite on betting sites. Agree with you that Minter is getting the Raven job.
Too old. Get some young blood.
Hard no to McCarthy. He’s horrible. Geez I hope that’s not even a consideration.
I feel like it will be Klint Kubiak, but he hasnt been requested for interview yet
So all defensive coaches. At least the org is consistent.
They have a type.
11 wins is the bare minimum expectation, I assume?
Flores or Minter