Insider reveals Steelers had ‘internal’ talks about next head coach

Yet another head coach candidate has been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers, with rumors swirling around Mike Tomlin’s potential departure at the end of the 2025 season.

According to New York Times reporter Dianna Russini, the Steelers reportedly held “internal” talks about bringing aboard Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, should Tomlin ultimately decide to leave Pittsburgh.

Advertisement

“Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman seriously considered making the jump to the NFL, with multiple teams reaching out to gauge his interest, according to league sources,” Russini wrote. “Though Freeman ultimately announced he’s staying at Notre Dame, there’s a strong belief around the league that this won’t be the last time his name is connected to NFL opportunities. The Giants, Titans, and Browns all had internal discussions about Freeman, as did the Pittsburgh Steelers if longtime coach Mike Tomlin decided to step away.”

Many have speculated that Tomlin and the Steelers could mutually part ways following a Week 18 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, with some insiders revealing possible candidates to take his place, including Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer revealing Pittsburgh’s connection with Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

Hopefully, the Steelers can find a way to win on Sunday Night Football and put the Tomlin-leaving-Pittsburgh noise to bed with their first AFC North title since 2020.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers had 'internal' talks about next head coach, per Russini