This post was originally published on this site
How the Steelers could replace Mike Tomlin
The Pittsburgh Steelers have now gone eight straight seasons without a playoff win. For context, Chuck Noll never went more than four years without a postseason victory and Bill Cowher never went more than three. To build on that, only three coaches in the Super Bowl era have gone eight straight years without a playoff win with the same team – Marvin Lewis, Jim Mora, and Mike Tomlin. That is what the Steelers have become.
Because of this, it is more than time for Pittsburgh to move on from Mike Tomlin, and there are staffs they can build that will be better than the one currently assembled with a new head man at the helm.
Brian Flores
Flores has history in Pittsburgh. He served as a senior defensive assistant and the team’s linebackers coach in 2022 before getting the defensive coordinator job in Minnesota. He would bring instant credibility and a new ideology to the defense, while also being able to bring offensive assistants from the great Vikings’ offensive staff along with him. It would also heighten the likelihood for the Steelers to land Sam Darnold in the offseason, especially if Josh McCown is brought over as offensive coordinator. In addition, I’d like to see Flores make a splash at defensive coordinator, but someone like Lou Anarumo doesn’t have the same defensive ideology as Flores. While it’s possible Flores would bypass that and just get the best name available to run their own scheme, going and Wink Martindale from Michigan would get a lot of fans excited. He could also add his former colleague and former Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo to his staff in some form.
Potential Staff
- Head coach: Brian Flores
- Offensive coordinator: Josh McCown
- Defensive coordinator: Wink Martindale
- Linebackers coach/Senior defensive assistant: Jerod Mayo
- QB: Sam Darnold
Aaron Glenn
Glenn has done a tremendous job with the Detroit Lions’ defense, keeping them relevant and helping Detroit win 15 games despite several stars going down with injuries. And on top of that, the emergence of Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Terrion Arnold, and countless other names in Detroit are just examples of the great job Glenn has done as defensive coordinator. This hire would follow the mold of what the Texans did with DeMeco Ryans – a great defensive coordinator coming from an offensive juggernaut, bringing a smart offensive staff with them and giving them complete control of the offense. I’d love to see offensive line coach Hank Fraley come with Glenn in this situation, as he is currently being looked at by the Seahawks as their new offensive coordinator. He’s done a terrific job with the Lions, making them the best offensive line in football. If they can’t land Fraley, passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand would be a welcome addition, as well. A name like Robert Saleh would be a great one for the defensive coordinator job, but it looks like he is likely returning to the 49ers in the same role. If Lou Anarumo would be the hire, that would be great, as well. If Anarumo is unavailable, former Bears head coach and Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus would be a name I’d like to see get some consideration. And for a feel-good reunion, Glenn could bring Lions defensive backs coach and former Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend with him to coach the secondary.
Potential Staff:
- Head coach: Aaron Glenn
- Offensive coordinator: Hank Fraley/Tanner Engstrand
- Defensive coordinator: Lou Anarumo/Matt Eberflus
- Defensive backs: Deshea Townsend
Ben Johnson
Obviously, Johnson has been the golden goose many NFL teams have tried chasing over the last several offseasons, but it does feel like this will be the year he finally takes a head coaching job. Should he leave Detroit, expect a few similar moves to that of the Glenn staff, especially the Anarumo pairing. The two worked together in Miami in 2015, and there would almost certainly be interest from both sides to reunite. If the Steelers could add Johnson and Anarumo while beginning a rebuild the same way the Lions did, this could end up being great for Pittsburgh
Potential staff:
- Head coach: Ben Johnson
- Offensive coordinator: Hank Fraley/Tanner Engstrand
- Defensive coordinator: Lou Anarumo
No matter what the Steelers do, they need to make severe changes, and it starts with the coaching staff, and all of these hypotheticals are worlds better than the one they currently employ.