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Shortly after the Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs, longtime coach Mike Tomlin resigned, sending shockwaves throughout the NFL.
“As this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited for what the future holds for this organization and I will always be grateful for my time as a coach in Pittsburgh,” Tomlin said last week in a statement.
Tomlin’s decision pushed the Steelers, a franchise that has had only three head coaches since the 1969 season, into an unusual coaching search. With Art Rooney II and Omar Khan leading the search, the Steelers have begun interviewing candidates.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has publicly weighed in on the direction of the team.
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Ben Roethlisberger (7) of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands next to head coach Mike Tomlin before an NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on December 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
While the Steelers have traditionally focused on coaches with defensive experience, Roethlisberger wants to see an offensive-minded coach get a chance to take the reins.
“I would seriously consider a couple of things…the first thing I thought is I want an offensive-minded head coach,” the Super Bowl winner said on “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger.”
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“That’s what I would do if I were the general manager. We’ve had defensive-minded coaches here, that’s what everyone has been, I’m ready for an offensive guy, I want to score more than six points in a playoff game. I would love a younger, offensive-minded head coach, a (Sean) McVay-ish, a Ben Johnson-ish that would focus on the offense and hopefully have enough success that I can stay here… the next long-term coach.”
Roethlisberger said an offensive-minded head coach should be paired with a veteran defensive coordinator, pointing to Jim Schwartz and Vic Fangio as options.
The Pittsburgh Steelers logo at midfield of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh. (Charles LeClaire/Image Images)
Roethlisberger also endorsed former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy as a candidate for the Steelers job.
“My next pick would literally be Mike McCarthy,” Roethlisberger said. “Mike McCarthy is a veteran offensive coach with ties to Pittsburgh, he understands the Steeler style, what it means to be a Steeler and the Rooney family and how it works. A lot of respect for him. He could bring in a younger coordinator or whatever to help. The potential downside to that is how long would he continue to coach? I don’t know.”
Ben Roethlisberger (7) of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 5, 2021 in Pittsburgh. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
“The possible silver lining of coming here would be the possibility of Aaron Rodgers coming back,” Roethlisberger said. “They have a relationship together. I guess it’s good enough. They won a Super Bowl together. You could bring in their offense. Aaron would know the offense and be super comfortable in an offense he knows.”
Aaron Rodgers finished his first season in Pittsburgh with 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Steelers survived against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 to claim the AFC North and clinch the final playoff spot.
While it is unclear whether Rodgers will return to Pittsburgh by 2026, look for another team or opt to retire, Roethlisberger expressed his support for seeing the four-time league MVP play for the Steelers next season.
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