Almost done. Got this one and the Dolphins to do and that should be all of the coach candidate lists for the year.
https://fanspo.com/nfl/s/general/p/7139yP7O69m7sM/nfl-coach-candidate-tier-list-links
This job might be a lot more desirable than what anyone would think. This is a job that has had three coaches in that top position since 1969 and neither one was fired as they all either resigned on their own terms or retired. The FO and ownership has shown time and time again how patient they are by allowing Tomlin keep coaching after calls to be fired after near the end of the Big Ben era and after Ben left and letting him try to improve each season. If I am a coach and I think this is a team I could make it to the playoffs, I would try everything to get this job because we could go 10-7 each year and have no worries about losing my job for not improving or taking a step up.
The Usual Suspects
Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams (DC; 2024-?)
I am getting mixed signals if he is going to be a HC next year or not. He is one of the top HC targets, but there aren't a lot of traction towards his name. I might be reading too much because a lot of the top names at the moment are coaches not in the playoffs anymore. But, it is kinda looking like the Steelers have Shula on the top of their list as he was reportedly the first candidate they asked for an interview.
Jeff Hafley, Green Bay Packers (DC; 2024-?)
There is a lot of traction towards his name for another job, but Hafley would be a nice fit if they are looking to rebuild to a more younger team. I think Hafley is a great player developer that can slowly get his players to thrive in his system.
Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers (DC; 2024-?)
Speaking of Hafley, I think out of all the current coordinators, Minter is the best developer as he has shown via his younger players the growth from year one to year two and even with their star edge rusher Khalil Mack missing five games.
Offensive Minds
Klay Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks (OC; 2025-?)
Usually, Kubiak would be top of all of these lists, but it doesn't seem like he will be a finalist for this job. It seems the Steelers are aware how sought after he is and will likely have a Kiffin-esque announcement drama once the Seahawks are out of the playoffs. I just don't think the Steelers want to fight over someone like Kubiak and will likely go with someone of those three names above.
Nathan Scheelhaase, Los Angeles Rams (PGC; 2025-?)
Some of y'all may not recognize the name, but he used to work at Iowa State and coached Breece Hall as the RB coach and was later moved to OC. He left to work under McVay and worked his way up to PGC. I know there are a lot of people saying the same thing I was saying about Vance Joseph and Davis Webb getting interviewed at the same team seeming like there is a connection there and Scheelhaase could be interviewing to be Shula's OC if they go that route, which could be true. Unlike Webb who has like three years of coaching experience, I think Scheelhaase has earned the right to be interviewed for a HC position. I do think it is a tad early, but I also think he is one of the brightest minds out there and brings that college and NFL experience similar to Liam Coen, Jim Harbaugh, and Mike Tomlin himself brings.
Not Serious Candidates
Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers (DC; 2023-?)
Evero is an up and comer who had a lot better, improved defense. Even with that, I didn't see anything from him or the defense that screams "future head coach". I need to see one more year before I can say he is everything to be a HC.
Anthony Weaver, Miami Dolphins (DC; 2024-?)
This is the exact thing. The two seasons he was the DC, the first half of the season it feels like the defense fell flat and then wakes up and does something at the second half when there is already a tight window to make it to the playoffs. He is a great coach and leader, but there are 17 games and if your defense only shows up at 8, you're lucky to win 9.
There is the Steelers list right here. I will get you the Dolphins list later today then sometime next week will be my college football coach hire grades. Let me know your thoughts down below!