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The head coach search

Knowing we might need to develop a QB highly possible. I asked AI to look at my likes and the people linked to the Steelers as a possible hire to see who could possibly be attractive in development of a QB;

1. Mike McCarthy (The "Gold Standard")​

Say what you want about his playoff record, but his resume for building QBs is unmatched on this list.

  • The Proof: He oversaw the development of Aaron Rodgers from a "flawed mechanics" rookie to a Super Bowl MVP. In Dallas, he took Dak Prescott and helped him lead the NFL in passing TDs and completions in 2023.
  • The Specialty: He is an expert in the "West Coast" fundamentals (footwork, timing, and eye discipline). If the Steelers draft a rookie in 2026, McCarthy is the safest bet to ensure they don't "bust."

2. Klint Kubiak (The "Modern Architect")​

He is the highest-ranked "young mind" because he has successfully developed QBs in three different systems.

  • The Proof: He turned Kirk Cousins into a top-tier statistical producer in Minnesota, helped Brock Purdy lead the NFL in passer rating in San Francisco, and has Geno Smith playing at an elite level in Seattle right now.
  • The Specialty: He uses the "Shanahan System"—heavy play-action and pre-snap motion—which makes the game "easy" for a QB by creating wide-open windows.

3. Nate Scheelhaase (The "Sleeper")​

He is low on the head-coaching list but high on the QB-dev list.

  • The Proof: As a former star QB himself, he developed Rocco Becht into the Big 12 Freshman of the Year at Iowa State. This year with the Rams, he helped Matthew Stafford post his 5th-best career completion percentage.
  • The Specialty: He understands the "mental" side of the position better than anyone because he played it at a high level.

4. Sean McDermott (The "CEO")​

McDermott is an interesting case. He is a defensive coach, but he presided over the greatest QB development story of the last decade.

  • The Proof: Josh Allen. While Brian Daboll gets the credit, McDermott was the one who built the infrastructure and culture that allowed Allen to go from "wild and inaccurate" to a perennial MVP candidate.
  • The Specialty: He knows how to "manage" a star QB, but he won't be in the room fixing their throwing motion.

5. Jesse Minter (The "Student of the Game")​

Minter is a defensive genius, but he has high-level experience with QB development through a "war room" lens.

  • The Proof: He was instrumental in Michigan's success with J.J. McCarthy. He spent his practices designing defenses specifically to "break" McCarthy, which forced the young QB to develop elite processing speed.
  • The Specialty: He understands how to teach a QB what a defense is trying to do to them.

6. Brian Flores / Anthony Weaver / Chris Shula (The "Consultants")​

These three are grouped at the bottom because they have zero track record of personally developing a quarterback.

  • The Risk: If you hire Flores or Weaver, you are entirely dependent on who they hire as Offensive Coordinator. If that OC gets hired away after one good year, your QB development gets reset (the "Matt Canada" trap).

The "Intellect" Verdict​

If you want the "Winning Intellect" to specifically fix the QB room:

  • The Safe Bet: Mike McCarthy (He’s done it twice with Hall of Famers).
  • The High-Ceiling Bet: Klint Kubiak (He’s doing it right now with "average" QBs).
 
Shula is still my top choice and I would have him bring in Nate as a OC.

List they gave is interesting but I also want a HC with fresh ideas. That Shula/Nate combo would be a solid 1 2 punch IMO.

Then say they draft TY in 1 and then let Howard and TY compete this year for the start. Then you use free agency and the draft to focus in on their system , players who fit their likes. Get rid of who you want and keep who you want…
 
slashsteel said:
Shula is still my top choice and I would have him bring in Nate as a OC.

List they gave is interesting but I also want a HC with fresh ideas. That Shula/Nate combo would be a solid 1 2 punch IMO.

Then say they draft TY in 1 and then let Howard and TY compete this year for the start. Then you use free agency and the draft to focus in on their system , players who fit their likes. Get rid of who you want and keep who you want…
Click to expand...
Exactly my top choice as well.
 
Coryea said:
Exactly my top choice as well.
Click to expand...
For me he is the opposite of Mike and Austin. They spent so little on D but he arguably squeezed every bit of talent out of them and their performance has still shined to date.

I have confidence he would weed out the trash so to speak. Also that painful to watch defense would be gone.

I remember that long playoff drought that the D was embarrassing. I feel strongly that would be a thing if the past quickly.
 
slashsteel said:
Knowing we might need to develop a QB highly possible. I asked AI to look at my likes and the people linked to the Steelers as a possible hire to see who could possibly be attractive in development of a QB;

1. Mike McCarthy (The "Gold Standard")​

Say what you want about his playoff record, but his resume for building QBs is unmatched on this list.

  • The Proof: He oversaw the development of Aaron Rodgers from a "flawed mechanics" rookie to a Super Bowl MVP. In Dallas, he took Dak Prescott and helped him lead the NFL in passing TDs and completions in 2023.
  • The Specialty: He is an expert in the "West Coast" fundamentals (footwork, timing, and eye discipline). If the Steelers draft a rookie in 2026, McCarthy is the safest bet to ensure they don't "bust."

2. Klint Kubiak (The "Modern Architect")​

He is the highest-ranked "young mind" because he has successfully developed QBs in three different systems.

  • The Proof: He turned Kirk Cousins into a top-tier statistical producer in Minnesota, helped Brock Purdy lead the NFL in passer rating in San Francisco, and has Geno Smith playing at an elite level in Seattle right now.
  • The Specialty: He uses the "Shanahan System"—heavy play-action and pre-snap motion—which makes the game "easy" for a QB by creating wide-open windows.

3. Nate Scheelhaase (The "Sleeper")​

He is low on the head-coaching list but high on the QB-dev list.

  • The Proof: As a former star QB himself, he developed Rocco Becht into the Big 12 Freshman of the Year at Iowa State. This year with the Rams, he helped Matthew Stafford post his 5th-best career completion percentage.
  • The Specialty: He understands the "mental" side of the position better than anyone because he played it at a high level.

4. Sean McDermott (The "CEO")​

McDermott is an interesting case. He is a defensive coach, but he presided over the greatest QB development story of the last decade.

  • The Proof: Josh Allen. While Brian Daboll gets the credit, McDermott was the one who built the infrastructure and culture that allowed Allen to go from "wild and inaccurate" to a perennial MVP candidate.
  • The Specialty: He knows how to "manage" a star QB, but he won't be in the room fixing their throwing motion.

5. Jesse Minter (The "Student of the Game")​

Minter is a defensive genius, but he has high-level experience with QB development through a "war room" lens.

  • The Proof: He was instrumental in Michigan's success with J.J. McCarthy. He spent his practices designing defenses specifically to "break" McCarthy, which forced the young QB to develop elite processing speed.
  • The Specialty: He understands how to teach a QB what a defense is trying to do to them.

6. Brian Flores / Anthony Weaver / Chris Shula (The "Consultants")​

These three are grouped at the bottom because they have zero track record of personally developing a quarterback.

  • The Risk: If you hire Flores or Weaver, you are entirely dependent on who they hire as Offensive Coordinator. If that OC gets hired away after one good year, your QB development gets reset (the "Matt Canada" trap).

The "Intellect" Verdict​

If you want the "Winning Intellect" to specifically fix the QB room:

  • The Safe Bet: Mike McCarthy (He’s done it twice with Hall of Famers).
  • The High-Ceiling Bet: Klint Kubiak (He’s doing it right now with "average" QBs).
Click to expand...

Thanks @slashsteel , great approach on the candidates remaining. I guess the question is, do we have a QB to develop? I believe whole-hardheartedly Will Howard is that QB. So, like AI, I prefer an offensive minded coach that can develop a QB. I think McCarthy might have that in today's landscape, but I would prefer Klint Kubiak. Of course the Shula/Scheelhaase combo is very attractive if you have to stick to a defensive HC.

I don't think Kubiak is leaving anytime soon, he has a good thing going with the SeaChickens. Let's go Shula/Scheelhaase!!
 
timsim00 said:
Thanks @slashsteel , great approach on the candidates remaining. I guess the question is, do we have a QB to develop? I believe whole-hardheartedly Will Howard is that QB. So, like AI, I prefer an offensive minded coach that can develop a QB. I think McCarthy might have that in today's landscape, but I would prefer Klint Kubiak. Of course the Shula/Scheelhaase combo is very attractive if you have to stick to a defensive HC.

I don't think Kubiak is leaving anytime soon, he has a good thing going with the SeaChickens. Let's go Shula/Scheelhaase!!
Click to expand...
Shula is my top choice because Klint seems to not be on their radar (yet or if at all).

I think Klint would leave if offered the right HC opportunity. We could make an argument that we are in the hunt. As he could pick his QB and other than that I think we are attractive.

But until I see some Steelers interest Shula of course would be my top choice.

Either hire would excite me for sure!
 
steel dino said:
Last three or four years, they had some talent, but certainly not enough if you’re honest with yourself to field even a playoff type football team… which they were able to accomplish most of those years.
As fans, I believe sometimes when we look at players, we put on the rose colored glasses, and when we look at the coaches, we put on glasses that have a different shade that’s not as rosey..
Like I said that team has a lot of work to do.
We gotta get this right, and if you look at what’s left out there to select from our best bet is Flores and/or McCarthy.
Click to expand...
KC won the SB with basically no WRs and an iffy line. Teams have been able to get by with less talent by proper coaching. We refuse to use the middle of the field or utilize our TEs. Our backs could be more of a receiving threat but only throw screens to them. We refuse to give younger guys a shot like Roman Wilson. On defense we pretty much rely on the other team to make a mistake. We play guys out of position on the DL and also get outnumbered. The team might not have the best talent, but it is certainly not being used properly
 
speedicut said:
I'd like to toilet paper DeBoer's house with Berm, while drinking.
Click to expand...



So………………. Berm used toilet paper………



salute the nation
 
Badcat said:
Hell yes! Do you have a good Bail Bondsman you can refer me to? I just want to be prepared for the inevitable. :LOL:
Click to expand...



Don’t worry, they will get you drunk and “BOND” with you………………….



Salute the nation
 
slashsteel said:
Shula is still my top choice and I would have him bring in Nate as a OC.

List they gave is interesting but I also want a HC with fresh ideas. That Shula/Nate combo would be a solid 1 2 punch IMO.

Then say they draft TY in 1 and then let Howard and TY compete this year for the start. Then you use free agency and the draft to focus in on their system , players who fit their likes. Get rid of who you want and keep who you want…
Click to expand...
Saw something earlier, that I wouldn't hate...HC Shula, OC Nate, DC Morris.
 
So the way I see the legit candidates

1 Chris Shula- 39 yrs old. Shula runs a flexible 3-4 defensive scheme that relys on every DLB type of disguised coverages and shifts but in a simplified and easy to learn manner . He fits every aspect of the previous 3 head coaches and at DC jas shown the leadership traits needed at HC

He also has bloodlines to Don shula...

2. Brian Flores. - 44 years old. Another 3-4 DC with a heavy reliance on blitzburgh tactics.... he has the HC experience and history with the franchise.
He got an unfair shot in Miami, and was pretty good all things considered..
Getting another HC shot also has the benefit of potentially weakening his lawsuit against the NFL, which even if it really has no bearing on anything, will drive weird conspiracy theories for his tenure here...
He also is a strong candidate with the Ravens...

3. Mike McCarthy. - 62 Look if they bring him in, its cause they want to bring Rodgers back then develop a new QB... this guy has a shelf life of 5-10 years.. he wont be popular with the fans at all.. as Ive seen said elsewhere, he is basically the offensive version of Tomlin.. with lots of regular season successes and postseason chokes...

4. Nathan Scheelehause -35 this guy is the offensive "supergenius"who may or may not be a good leader... so he is the biggest crapshoot...
the three above him have varying ceilings but about the same floors... this guy could be out in a couple years or reinvent nfl offensive schemes for the next decade abd a half... hiring him would basically be this years version of Tomlin beating out Grimm and Whiz

5. Jessie Minter- 42 most years Minter would be the top candidate. He has ties to Tomlin, runs some of the 3/4 into 4/3 stuff he did. Isnt a micromanager, and shows great leadership traits.. i just think Shula is the way they go if they opt down this path

6. Anthony weaver- 45- Charismatic 3/4 DC who used to be the Ravens Assistant Head Coach... he even was the run game coordinator one year for them..

Id say weaver is more experienced on the HC side than shula or minter, but less proven on the scheme side... if they were going this route, youd think they would take the more experienced and more proven Flores.

7. Ejiro Evero -45 coaching roots with Dom Capers, has been trained to be a Head coach and has been up for the job a couple years now with no one biting yet...

8. Klay Kubiak - 37 kind of the same thing as Scheelhause, only Steelhouse is the better bet...
( Klint is not on their radar, supposedly)
 
Flores just got an extension from the Vikings.
Doesn’t preclude him being hired as a HC but one would assume he’s being paid enough to want to stay.
 
I find it interesting... I have not seen any mention of inquiry to the Steelers about rights to Tomlin.... Should any team be of interest.
 
NYSteel said:
I find it interesting... I have not seen any mention of inquiry to the Steelers about rights to Tomlin.... Should any team be of interest.
Click to expand...
I suspect that A) no one wants to give up a draft pick or B) he’s let it be known that he doesn’t want to coach this year or C) both A and B.
 
Ron Burgundy said:
Flores just got an extension from the Vikings.
Doesn’t preclude him being hired as a HC but one would assume he’s being paid enough to want to stay.
Click to expand...
now signing him implies a couple of 3rd round comp picks for the Vikings, pushing down our own comp picks. I say close the door on him.
 
slashsteel said:
Shula is my top choice because Klint seems to not be on their radar (yet or if at all).

I think Klint would leave if offered the right HC opportunity. We could make an argument that we are in the hunt. As he could pick his QB and other than that I think we are attractive.

But until I see some Steelers interest Shula of course would be my top choice.

Either hire would excite me for sure!
Click to expand...
Slash, couldn’t agree more with you.
Disappointed and perplexed that they wouldn’t even talk to Klint Kubiak but I definitely like Chris Shula as my top guy now.
If Chris is hired and he can bring Sheelhase with him as the OC that’s a bonus.
Still don’t understand the Kubiak snub!
 
slashsteel said:

5. Jesse Minter (The "Student of the Game")​

Minter is a defensive genius, but he has high-level experience with QB development through a "war room" lens.

  • The Proof: He was instrumental in Michigan's success with J.J. McCarthy. He spent his practices designing defenses specifically to "break" McCarthy, which forced the young QB to develop elite processing speed.
  • The Specialty: He understands how to teach a QB what a defense is trying to do to them.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't put too much stock in anything a UM coach or player did during the Conor Stalions era.
 
slashsteel said:
Shula is still my top choice and I would have him bring in Nate as a OC.

List they gave is interesting but I also want a HC with fresh ideas. That Shula/Nate combo would be a solid 1 2 punch IMO.

Then say they draft TY in 1 and then let Howard and TY compete this year for the start. Then you use free agency and the draft to focus in on their system , players who fit their likes. Get rid of who you want and keep who you want…
Click to expand...
Only problem with that is that it seems like Nate will get a HC job this cycle. At the very least, it's been reported he's a finalist to coach in the Factory OF Sadness. So, either this year or next year, he'll be a HC somewhere.
 
And we can see that no team is willing to lose draft picks to aquire Tomlin. The nfl is smart.
 
xjx said:
And we can see that no team is willing to lose draft picks to aquire Tomlin. The nfl is smart.
Click to expand...
He has told the six teams to make inquiries that he isn't coaching this year. According to Glazer and Kaboly
 
slashsteel said:
Shula is my top choice because Klint seems to not be on their radar (yet or if at all).

I think Klint would leave if offered the right HC opportunity. We could make an argument that we are in the hunt. As he could pick his QB and other than that I think we are attractive.

But until I see some Steelers interest Shula of course would be my top choice.

Either hire would excite me for sure!
Click to expand...
Yeah it disappoints me Klint Kubiak is not on their interview list, I don’t get why.

I know his team is still playing but so is Shula’s and he is on the request list
 
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