Legendary coach Mike Tomlin’s resignation after 19 seasons with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers has sparked a high-profile head coaching search, drawing sharp interest from Canadian bettors on Bet99 and other online sportsbooks.
Tomlin compiled an incredible 193-114-2 regular-season record as head coach in Pittsburgh, tying Chuck Noll for the most wins in franchise history while achieving an unprecedented 19 straight non-losing seasons with the Steelers. He led the team to 13 playoff appearances, eight AFC North titles and, of course, a Super Bowl XLIII win in 2008.
Succeeding the beloved Tomlin in Pittsburgh won’t be an easy task, but here’s a shortlist of the potential candidates along with their associated odds to be the next head coach of the Steelers.
Steelers next head coach odds
| Coach | Odds |
| Other | +245 |
| Chris Shula | +400 |
| Arthur Smith | +400 |
| Brian Flores | +450 |
| Mike McCarthy | +600 |
| Kevin Stefanski | +700 |
| Mike McDaniel | +700 |
Chris Shula +400
Chris Shula, LA Rams defensive coordinator, emerges as the betting favourite at +400 odds. At 39, Don Shula’s grandson boasts 11 years of NFL experience, installing a zone-heavy 3-4 defence that ranks top-five in points allowed. Shula embodies Pittsburgh’s defensive CEO archetype, though he’s unproven as a head coach.
Arthur Smith +400
Steelers OC Arthur Smith offers internal continuity after steadying a flawed offence to mid-pack scoring. With 15 NFL seasons under his belt, his multi-TE play-action scheme suits Pittsburgh’s run-heavy identity. Critics question his ceiling against elite defences, but he’s a solid internal candidate for promotion.
Brian Flores +450
Minnesota Vikings DC Brian Flores is a serious contender for the job, leveraging a 2022 Steelers assistant stint and three Super Bowl rings. His 3-4 schemes defy categories, turning middling units elite, while his Miami HC experience (24-25) proves his mettle. He fits Pittsburgh’s tough culture perfectly but would likely need to be paired with the appropriate offensive coordinator.
Brian Flores next Steelers HC
Mike McCarthy +600
Free agent Mike McCarthy brings Super Bowl XLV glory and 31 NFL seasons of West Coast mastery. His recent playoff success with the Dallas Cowboys addresses the Steelers’ scoring droughts, but at 62, questions swirl on his energy for a potential rebuild. His CEO style aligns with franchise stability, making him a veteran bridge if youth falters elsewhere.
Kevin Stefanski +700
Ex-Browns HC Kevin Stefanski, fired after a 45-56 run, is a dark horse for the job. His power-run/play-action schemes elevated QBs like Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield, with a playoff win and Norv Turner roots.
Mike McDaniel +700
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel rounds out intrigue at bubble odds, fresh off a 35-33 tenure with Shanahan motion offences. His outside-zone creativity exploded Miami’s attack pre-injury, but his 0-2 record in the playoffs and recent firing dent his shine. Fan buzz pairs him with Flores as an OC, leveraging 19 NFL years for up-tempo fits.
Other +245
There’s a long list of potential candidates that don’t have designated odds, including Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman, LA Chargers DC Jesse Minter, Seattle Seahawks OF Klint Kubiak, Denver Broncos DC Vance Joseph, and San Francisco 49ers DC Robert Salah, to name a few.