This offseason is seeing a notable surge in interest for the coaching staff of the Los Angeles Rams, with a growing number of NFL teams seeking to interview their assistant coaches for head coaching vacancies. The Rams have already received requests from 11 different teams interested in speaking with some of their top coaching talents, including defensive coordinator Chris Shula, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, and passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. These developments highlight the NFL’s trend of elevating promising assistant coaches, sometimes even those with limited experience, to head coaching roles. Among the teams looking to fill a significant void is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are in the process of selecting a new leader following nearly two decades of leadership under Mike Tomlin.
Pittsburgh Steelers Seek New Leadership After Mike Tomlin’s Departure
The Steelers’ coaching search has gained momentum after the announcement of Mike Tomlin’s departure. Tomlin, who became the Steelers’ head coach in 2007, announced he would be stepping down, opening the door for a new era of leadership. As the franchise begins the search for someone capable of maintaining its competitive edge, many in the NFL are watching to see who might step into the role.
While Pittsburgh has traditionally preferred candidates with substantial coaching backgrounds, recent discussions suggest they may consider less conventional options. The team is eager to find someone able to uphold the franchise’s standards of success while perhaps bringing fresh energy and ideas.
Rams’ Nate Scheelhaase Emerges as a Candidate for the Steelers’ Head Coach Role
More Read
One intriguing name that has come up in the conversation is Rams assistant coach Nate Scheelhaase. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, there’s speculation that the Steelers might look at Scheelhaase, despite his relatively limited coaching experience. Rapoport noted that Scheelhaase “kind of fits the mold of Mike Tomlin, but on the other side of the ball, a dynamic personality,” and suggested he could be seen as a “wild card” candidate.
He added, “Someone that Sean McVay feels is going to be a future head coach. A bit of a wild card, someone who a lot of people aren’t sure is ready, but someone who they believe eventually will be a great head coach.” This commentary indicates that while Scheelhaase might lack extensive coaching tenure, his talent and potential are recognized at the highest levels.
Background and Path to Prominence
Nate Scheelhaase is still early in his coaching career at 35 years old. He began his journey as an assistant coach at Illinois, where he played quarterback during his college days. Earning a reputation as a quick learner, Scheelhaase methodically climbed the coaching ladder, moving from position coach to offensive coordinator at Iowa State University from 2019 until 2023.
He then transitioned to the NFL full-time in 2024, joining the Rams as an offensive assistant and passing game specialist. His role expanded significantly in 2025 when he was promoted to passing game coordinator, a position that underscores his rising influence within the Rams’ offensive staff. Despite having just two seasons in an NFL coaching role—limited compared to many prospective head coach candidates—Scheelhaase’s coaching acumen has attracted attention from NFL franchises.
Age Doesn’t Hinder the Consideration for Pittsburgh
Although Scheelhaase’s experience in the NFL is still developing, his age and track record are notable factors in his favor. Historically, age has not been a barrier for the Steelers—Mike Tomlin was only 35 when appointed head coach in 2007, having spent just one year as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator. It’s worth noting that Tomlin had five seasons of NFL coaching experience prior to taking the reigns in Minnesota, but his youth didn’t stand in the way of Pittsburgh’s confidence in his leadership potential.
This precedent suggests that the Steelers may be open to considering younger, less seasoned candidates like Scheelhaase as part of their coaching search, especially if those candidates demonstrate the talent, drive, and future potential that the franchise values.
What’s Next in the Coaching Carousel?
More Read
The NFL coaching carousel is heating up as teams finalize their lists of candidates and conduct interviews. For the Steelers, the process is still in its early stages, with in-person interviews not permitted until next week. However, virtual interviews are currently underway, especially ahead of the divisional round playoffs, where teams are permitted to conduct remote interviews with candidates.
This window allows franchises like Pittsburgh to evaluate potential head coaches further before making a formal decision. For Scheelhaase, the coming days could be pivotal—showing his potential to a franchise that has historically taken chances on promising young coaches.
Potential Outcomes and Implications
If Scheelhaase does land the Steelers’ head coaching role, it would be a historic moment, marking one of the youngest head coaches in NFL history with limited NFL experience. Such a move would underscore a shift in coaching philosophies, emphasizing potential, leadership qualities, and innovative thinking over lengthy resumes.
On the other hand, even if he doesn’t get the Steelers gig immediately, Scheelhaase’s profile continues to rise. His name is increasingly linked with future coaching opportunities, and his continued development with the Rams could translate into a better shot at a prominent role in the near future. Meanwhile, the Rams’ coaching staff remains in a state of flux, with questions about the future of their offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, who could also benefit from Scheelhaase’s rising stock.
In the larger picture, the NFL is witnessing a trend where teams are willing to consider relatively inexperienced but highly promising assistant coaches for top roles. This approach aims to bring fresh perspectives into the coaching ranks, potentially revolutionizing team strategies and leadership styles. Whatever the outcome for Scheelhaase, his candidacy exemplifies just how much the NFL coaching landscape is evolving as teams look for innovative, dynamic leadership to guide their future success.
