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Shortly after the Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs, longtime coach Mike Tomlin resigned, sending shockwaves throughout the NFL.
“Even though this chapter is coming to an end, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited about what the future holds for this organization and will always be grateful for my time as coach in Pittsburgh,” Tomlin said last week in a statement.
Tomlin’s decision pushed the Steelers, a franchise that has had just three head coaches since the 1969 season, into a rare coaching search. With Art Rooney II and Omar Khan leading the search, the Steelers began interviewing candidates.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has publicly weighed in on the team’s direction.
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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 traditionally focus on coaches with a defensive background, Roethlisberger wants to see an offensive-minded coach get the opportunity to take the reins.
“I would seriously think about a few things…my first 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 was general manager. We’ve had some defensive-minded coaches here, that’s what they’ve all been, I’m ready for an offensive guy, I want to score more than six points in a postseason game. I would love a younger, offensive-minded head coach, a (Sean) McVay-ish, a Ben Johnson-ish who would focus on offense and hopefully have enough success to that you can stay here…the next long-term coach.”
Roethlisberger said an offensive-minded head coach should be paired with a veteran defensive coordinator, naming Jim Schwartz and Vic Fangio as options.
The Pittsburgh Steelers logo at midfield during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)
Roethlisberger also endorsed former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy as a candidate for the Steelers job.
“My next choice would literally be Mike McCarthy,” Roethlisberger said. “Mike McCarthy is a veteran offensive coach with ties to Pittsburgh, he understands the Steeler way, what it means to be a Steeler and the Rooney family and how it works. Lots of respect for him. He could bring in a younger coordinator or something to help him. The potential downside is how long would he continue coaching? I don’t know.”
Ben Roethlisberger (7) of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 5, 2021 in Pittsburgh. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
“The potentially positive side of coming here would be the potential of Aaron Rodgers coming back,” Roethlisberger said. “They have a relationship together. I guess it’s pretty good. They won a Super Bowl together. You could bring in his offense. Aaron would know the offense and feel very 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 win the AFC North and clinch the final playoff spot.
While it’s unclear whether Rodgers will return to Pittsburgh for 2026, pursue another team or choose to retire, Roethlisberger expressed support for seeing the four-time league MVP play for the Steelers next season.
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