Pittsburgh Steelers Next Head Coach Odds: Chris Shula Emerges as a Frontrunner

The Mike Tomlin era is over in Pittsburgh, which means for the first time in almost two decades, the Steelers are in the market for a new head coach.

Chris Vasile - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Chris Vasile • Betting Analyst
Jan 13, 2026 • 17:09 ET • 4 min read
Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula at press conference.
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula at press conference.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ next head coach odds are heating up as the franchise appears to enter the coaching market for the first time in nearly two decades.

True to their defense-first identity, it’s no surprise to see elite defensive-minded candidates leading the early prediction markets.

Pittsburgh Steelers next head coach odds

Percentages courtesy of Kalshi.

Kalshi is a regulated financial exchange where you trade on real-world event outcomes. Instead of traditional odds, prices are listed as percentages (0–100%), representing the market’s estimated probability of an event occurring.

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Analyzing the Steelers next head coach favorites

Chargers Chris Shula

If the Pittsburgh Steelers stick to what they’ve always believed in, defense will be front and center in this search.

Chris Shula is the 'upside' candidate. He’s helped turn the Rams into a top-10 defense by developing young players and getting more out of the roster than expected — something Pittsburgh has always valued.

He doesn’t have head-coaching experience, which makes him more of a long-term bet than an immediate fix, but the foundation is there if the Steelers are willing to take a patient approach.

Vikings Brian Flores

The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t reinvent themselves. They hire coaches who fit what the organization has always been.

Brian Flores fits.

After a messy exit in Miami, he’s rebuilt his reputation by doing what he’s always done well: coaching tough, disciplined defenses. His recent work in Minnesota showed he’s still more than capable of leading a team.

Defense has always been Pittsburgh’s calling card, and Flores would lean into that right away. With talent already in place, he’d bring structure and clarity while the offense continues to find its footing.

Chargers Robert Saleh

Robert Saleh’s record as a head coach raises fair questions, but his defensive background still carries weight.

He’s known for his intensity and for building aggressive defenses, and that edge would play well in Pittsburgh. The concern is whether his overall results catch up to the energy.

Saleh feels like a higher-risk option, but one the Steelers might consider if they prioritize attitude, toughness, and buy-in over recent win totals.

Recent Steelers coaching history

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most stable coaching organizations in professional sports, a trait that has defined the franchise for decades.

Since 1969, the Steelers have employed just three head coaches: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin. That continuity is unmatched in the modern NFL and reflects a long-standing commitment to patience, structure, and organizational alignment.

Each era shared common themes: defensive toughness, accountability, and a clear team identity, even as the league evolved around them. Pittsburgh has historically favored coaches who command respect, develop players internally, and uphold the franchise’s physical brand of football rather than chasing short-term trends.

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Chris Vasile Covers.com
Betting Analyst

Chris Vasile has been in the betting industry for well over a decade, honing his craft as a writer, editor, and handicapper. Chris has contributed betting and non-betting content for online publications such as ProSportsDaily and The Hockey Writers, in addition to Covers. With a keen interest in soccer, Chris has been featured on Covers' 'Before You Bet', BetMGM Network, and SportsGrid. He also runs his own YouTube channel — Game Day Wagers.

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