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Essentials Inside The Story

  • The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the process of hiring only their fourth head coach in nearly 60 years
  • Aaron Rodgers originally came to Pittsburgh to play for Tomlin, the organization remains open to a 2026 reunion
  • Rodgers' decision to stay may hinge on whether the new HC hire is someone he believes can lead a championship run

The Pittsburgh Steelers are zeroing in on their next head coach hire after Mike Tomlin stepped down from the role following a historic 19-year run. With many candidates on the hook, the Steelers are eyeing a former Baltimore Ravens star as a possible replacement. This former Raven is none other than Anthony Weaver, the current defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins.

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The Pittsburgh management has already had its first virtual with Weaver and is gearing up towards a second, in-person interview with the former Baltimore defensive end. NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed the development on X.

“Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver is expected to have a second, in-person interview with the #Steelers for their HC position this week, source said,” Ian Rapoport reported.

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Steelers Talk by Chat Sports’ Jack Sperry further delved into what transpired since Anthony Weaver’s first virtual interview, which took place last week.

“He had a virtual interview last week, and apparently, he made enough of an impression with Art Rooney and with Omar Khan to get a second look here,” Sperry said. “And, you know, I think Anthony Weaver does absolutely have that presence that we’re talking about. I think he absolutely embodies AFC North football with his toughness. He’s a former player in this division. He knows what the Steelers-Ravens rivalry is all about.”

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This could emerge as an important factor for the Steelers, as Weaver was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2002 NFL draft. In four seasons for the Ravens, he started 54 regular-season games, as well as one playoff game. He then moved to the Houston Texans for a three-year stint before transitioning into coaching.

After stints with the Cleveland Browns, the Buffalo Bills, the Baltimore Ravens, the Houston Texans, and the New York Jets, Weaver was hired by the Dolphins in 2024. As their defensive coordinator, his unit ranked at No. 4 in total yards allowed, No. 9 against the run, No. 9 against the pass, and No. 10 in scoring defense. However, this season, Weaver failed to recreate a similar performance as Miami’s stats dropped significantly. Defense allowed 348.8 yards per game (22nd), 24.4 points per game (24th), and forced 20 turnovers (16th).

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Whether he can rekindle his stellar defense if hired by the Steelers, only time will tell. But if he ends up replacing Mike Tomlin, there’s a big chance that Anthony Weaver could have four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback for the 2026 season.

Steelers open to Aaron Rodgers’ return after solid 2025 season

Despite being in his early 40s, Rodgers showcased flashes of his MVP-winning caliber as he led the Pittsburgh Steelers to an AFC North title before fizzling out in the playoffs. For the 2025 season, Rodgers recorded a passer rating of 94.8 with 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 16 games.

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But alongside these solid numbers, Rodgers also emerged as a vital locker room figure, which was noted by almost every player on the Steelers roster during their exit interviews. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed this development before revealing that the Steelers are open to bringing in AROD for one more season.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers remain open to an Aaron Rodgers reunion in 2026, even though it’s unlikely because of Mike Tomlin’s resignation, sources told ESPN,” Schefter reported.

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As the report suggests, a reunion may be difficult with Tomlin’s decision to step down, but it will be interesting to see if owner Art Rooney II and GM Omar Khan can persuade Aaron Rodgers for one more stint in the Steel City to help their new coach settle into this new role.

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