PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are only a few days into life after Mike Tomlin, but the early contours of their coaching search are already taking shape — and one name has moved quickly to the front of the conversation.
Los Angeles Rams assistant Chris Shula has emerged as the early favorite to land the Steelers’ head coaching job, according to betting market movement, predictive trends and recent media reporting. While Pittsburgh remains in the earliest phase of its process following Tomlin’s resignation Tuesday, Shula is widely viewed around the league as the candidate currently in the driver’s seat.
That momentum comes despite timing working against him. Shula is in the middle of a playoff run with the Rams under head coach Sean McVay, with Los Angeles set to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field. As is standard league practice, that postseason focus slows formal interviews and negotiations, keeping Pittsburgh in a holding pattern while other franchises progress further down the road.
Shula’s rise has been steady rather than sudden. A member of the NFL’s most recognizable coaching families, he is the grandson of Don Shula, the Hall of Famer and winningest head coach in league history. Unlike some legacy names, however, Shula has built his résumé quietly, earning respect through preparation, adaptability and a deep understanding of modern defense. He has worked his way up within McVay’s staff, gaining experience in a system known for innovation, collaboration and efficiency.
League evaluators point to Shula’s versatility as a major selling point. McVay’s coaching tree places heavy emphasis on situational football, communication and cross-phase understanding — traits the Steelers have traditionally valued. Pittsburgh’s identity has long been rooted in stability, defense and organizational alignment, making Shula’s background an appealing cultural fit.
He is not alone in the mix. The Steelers are also expected to explore candidates such as Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, Nathan Scheelhaase, another rising Rams assistant, and Robert Saleh, the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator. Pittsburgh’s timeline allows for patience, and with Tomlin stepping away only days ago, the club trails several other teams already deep into their searches.
But… it is the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, with Tomlin holding the head job for 18 seasons, many fans may forget the franchise’s hiring tendencies. Pittsburgh usually likes to nab an up and coming defensive mind for their head coaching position. The franchise also rarely makes a major change.
If that trend continues, expect Shula, Flores and Saleh to get strong consideration for this job, baring any major dominoes yet to fall across the league.
Shula previously drew significant interest for the Miami Dolphins opening, where his family ties and football pedigree made for a logical connection. That market, however, appears to be closing, with Miami expected to land Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, further clearing Shula’s path toward Pittsburgh.
From a football standpoint, Shula checks several boxes. He has worked with elite defensive talent, understands how to build game plans week to week and comes from an environment that prizes player development and schematic clarity. The remaining questions are typical for a first-time head coach candidate: staff construction, game-management experience and the ability to command a locker room in a market as demanding as Pittsburgh.
For now, the Steelers are watching and waiting, aware that Shula’s postseason obligations will dictate the pace. As of this moment, EasySportz expects Chris Shula to be the most likely hire in Pittsburgh, though the situation remains fluid and far less settled than the near-lock scenarios developing in Atlanta or Miami.
In a city that values continuity but understands the need for evolution, Shula represents a bridge between tradition and the modern NFL. Whether that bridge leads him to the Steelers’ sideline will come into focus soon — once the Rams’ season, and Pittsburgh’s patience, allow it.
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