How Mike Tomlin's Departure Could Hurt Rams and Sean McVay

The Los Angeles Rams have several coaches that the Pittsburgh Steelers could seek interest in filling Mike Tomlin's enormous shoes

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. The Los Angeles Rams as well as the rest of the NFL have learned that long-time Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has resigned from his position, effective immediately.

As reported by NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Tomlin's time in the Steel City is over, and the Steelers will be conducting a new search for the franchise's fourth head coach since the merger.

"Breaking: After a historic 19-season run in Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin just informed his team that he is stepping down as the Steelers head coach, sources tell
@JFowlerESPN and me," stated Schefter. "
The Steelers now will be looking for only their fourth head coach since 1969."

2025 represented Tomlin's 19th season with the franchise.

How This Affects the Rams

Immediately, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula has become a favorite for the role. The Steelers may be moving in a new direction but they're the same old Steelers, who's value as a franchise reflects the community they represent.

November 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

What does that mean? It means they love hard-hitting defense, and how many head coaching candidates come from a strong defensive background with a rolodex of successful offensive coaches who come from a patented system?

What did Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin all have in common? All former defensive coordinators, all worked under offensive minded head coaches before getting hired, and all of them were in their 30s. Sound familiar?

Noll worked under Sid Gilman who is the Godfather to the passing offense. Cowher worked under Marty Schottenheimer and while Schottenheimer was a defensive coach, he had an eye for offense, establishing his "Marty ball" strategy that led to massive success, including LaDainian Tomlinson's single-season touchdown record. Tomlin, worked under Jon Gruden, who gave Sean McVay his first NFL coaching job, before joining the Vikings with Brad Childress, an understudy of Andy Reid.

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Shula is young, innovative, has a relationship with Jalen Ramsey, and he's exactly what Pittsburgh wants. On top of that, Nate Scheelhaase is becoming a hot name for both coordinator and head coaching jobs.

If the Steelers want offensive innovation, Scheelhaase or Mike LaFleur could get the call as head coach but don't count out Scheelhaase as an offensive coordinator.

Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

No matter what, this move leaves the Rams' coaching staff even more exposed as teams look to pluck talent away from Los Angeles and with any coach that goes, others follow. We could have a mass exodus of coaches in a matter of weeks from the Rams.

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