Steelers Next Head Coach Odds: Chris Shula Favored to Take Over After Mike Tomlin Stepped Away
The Pittsburgh Steelers were blown away at home by the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football, and Mike Tomlin decided to step away from the franchise after 19 season on Tuesday afternoon. Who will Pittsburgh grab to replace him? Peter Alexis examines the Steelers next head coach odds as of January 13th.
Peter Alexis - January 13, 2026, 6:10 PM EST
5 Minute ReadSteelers Next Head Coach Odds: Pittsburgh May Target Chris Shula After
Mike Tomlin’s decision to step away after 19 seasons has officially launched one of the most fascinating coaching searches in recent Steelers history. Tomlin leaves behind a résumé unmatched in modern football—never a losing season, 13 playoff appearances, eight AFC North titles, two Super Bowl trips, and one championship. But after another early postseason exit and growing frustration from the fanbase, both sides agreed it was time for a reset. Because Tomlin wasn’t fired, Pittsburgh still controls his contractual rights, meaning he cannot immediately sign elsewhere and could be traded next offseason if he chooses to return.
With the Tomlin era closed, attention has shifted quickly to the next chapter. The Steelers are one of the league’s most stable franchises, and this job instantly becomes one of the most coveted openings of the cycle. Early odds are beginning to take shape, and one name has separated from the pack: Chris Shula. Pittsburgh had been quietly linked to him weeks ago in the event Tomlin stepped away, and now those early rumblings look prescient.
Below is a breakdown of the four early frontrunners as Pittsburgh turns the page and searches for a new coach.
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Steelers Next Head Coach Odds
Coach | Implied Probability |
|---|---|
Chris Shula | 30% |
Brian Flores | 14% |
Klint Kubiak | 13% |
Mike McCarthy | 13% |
Vance Joseph | 12% |
Jesse Minter | 12% |
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Steelers Next Head Coach Odds Breakdown
Chris Shula - 30% Chance Click here to bet on these Steelers Next Coach Odds at Kalshi
Shula has emerged as the early favorite, and the momentum behind him has been building for weeks. Rumors circulated in late December that the Steelers were doing background work on Shula in case Tomlin resigned, and now he sits atop the early odds at 30%. The Rams defensive coordinator has earned widespread respect for his schematic versatility and player development, and his family lineage—grandson of Don Shula—adds a layer of intrigue. Pittsburgh values stability, discipline, and long‑term vision, and Shula checks every box. He’s the clear leader in the early going.
Brian Flores - 14% Chance Click here to bet on these Steelers Next Coach Odds at Kalshi
Flores is a familiar face in Pittsburgh after serving as a senior defensive assistant in 2022. His time with the Steelers left a strong impression, and his head‑coaching résumé in Miami still carries weight. Flores is respected for his defensive acumen, toughness, and ability to elevate talent. The question is whether Pittsburgh wants to return to a defensive‑first identity or pivot toward a more offensive‑minded approach. Still, at 14%, Flores is firmly in the mix and would be welcomed by many inside the building.
Klint Kubiak - 13% Chance Click here to bet on these Steelers Next Coach Odds at Kalshi
Kubiak represents the offensive‑minded option that many Steelers fans have been craving. Currently one of the most respected young offensive coordinators in the league, he has been praised for his work developing quarterbacks and modernizing passing concepts. Pittsburgh’s offense has lagged behind the rest of the AFC for years, and Kubiak’s system could provide the structural overhaul the franchise desperately needs. At 13%, he’s a legitimate contender and a potential long‑term fit.
Mike McCarthy - 13% Chance Click here to bet on these Steelers Next Coach Odds at Kalshi
McCarthy’s name entering the conversation adds a veteran wrinkle to the search. After his departure from Dallas, he brings decades of experience, a Super Bowl ring, and a track record of building top‑tier offenses. Pittsburgh may value his steadiness and proven ability to manage a locker room. The question is whether the Steelers want to go with a seasoned coach or embrace a younger, more modern voice. At 13%, McCarthy is very much in play.
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