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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 01.23.26
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Joel
11:59
Hi, Chris. In terms of the head coaching search, I’m with you on the “leader of men” approach rather than focusing on a technical innovator. That leadership skill is what links Noll, Cowher, and Tomlin. So if you believe in commanding the room being the key, who’s your favorite candidate at this point?
Christopher Carter
12:04
My top candidate is Chris Shula. He comes across like he's that leader and has the experience/connections to build off and bring into the organization.

But this is also something we won't be able to see in the interviews and only the Steelers will be able to tell. That's where I'm intrigued about this coaching search, as the person who I think could like because of their resume might not be the best behind the scenes.
Tom M.
12:04
No one on the outside knows what the Steelers are really thinking in deciding on the next coach or how the interviews are going.  But if you’re in the room making the decision, how would you rank your top 3 choices?
Christopher Carter
12:05
Chris Shula
Anthony Weaver
Nate Scheelhaase

I just really like Shula's track record coming up with coaching so many different positions and earning his stripes. I also like Weaver's ascent and that's why I rank them higher than Scheelhaase. But I'm intrigued by the buzz of Scheelhaase and the potential leadership factors he's rumored to bring.
NC Steeler Fan
12:09
Good morning Chris, there’s been a lot of QB talk and for good reasons, my question is about Skylar Thompson.  I felt he looked better than Mason in the preseason, does he have a shot to stick around or was that just going against 2nd and 3rd stringers?  He also has some starting experience, just curious how he’s thought of with the team.  Thanks!
Christopher Carter
12:11
I think it's safe to say the Steelers' QB plan will be an offseason addition, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
Epiballo
12:11
Why do fans care about how much a player is paid? That’s Steeler business. The only criteria should be the player’s performance in my view.
Christopher Carter
12:18
I think people like to have a feel that they're in tune with the organization's decisions as they're invested in the outcome.

Now, that always isn't the best as there are people who want the most insane things. There will always be opinions, but few often seem rooted in reality.

But as everyone knows, fan is short for fanatic -- so it's their job to not be rooted in reality sometimes.
scott smith
12:18
chris, i am excited about the idea of nate scheelhaase getting hired as HC and creating a new offensive scheme here. sign malik willis as a free agent and all of a sudden, we've got some, dare i say, hope, for the season, much like the pens after moving on from their coach.
Christopher Carter
12:21
There's also the possibility Chris Shula being hired could bring Nate Scheelhaase as offensvie coordinator -- as he's not been a coordinator yet -- and that be how he aligns with Malik Willis or whoever is the next signal caller.

It's good to see the Penguins 2nd in the Metro, but they're certainly benefitting from a division that isn't on its A-game as they're sitting with 25 wins and 25 losses, much like the Steelers were sitting atop the AFC North at 6-6 at one point.
Jim K
12:21
I like the wider hash marks in college, makes field goals harder and more play in the middle.  Any chance the NFL changes?
Christopher Carter
12:22
I doubt it. Of all the things the NFL would change, that would be far down the list.
George T
12:22
Hello Chris,  I see all the talk is on a new HC if it should be an offense or defense mined guy.  But more concern with whoever is hired they select good OC & DC.  Who there would be good OC & DC.
Christopher Carter
12:26
Well, as I said earlier I think Nate Scheelhaase could be a good OC candidate with Chris Shula. Mike McCarthy could also be the experienced coach option to take on the offense while the young coach gets settled in and focuses on the new role and the defense -- if that's Shula or Weaver.

Anthony Weaver could also be a defensive coordinator candidate if he's not hired to be a head coach somewhere else.

But outside of those guys, there's still other candidates that could be brought up.
12:31
One such name would be the Seahawks' defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator -- Karl Scott. He's just 40 years old, has coached at Alabama and with the Vikings and been a good coach in an elite defense.

Also could look at Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasos, who's gone from coaching witht the Chiefs, to the Eagles as an assitant coordinator and been a DBs coach for the Texans for five years now while he's overseen their ascent.
NC Bruce
12:31
Chris, Is there any way that if Chris Shula were the pick for HC, that he could entice Nathan Scheelhaase to be the OC? Thanks!
Christopher Carter
12:32
As said above, I think so! Wouldn't be the first time an assistant brought another assistant with them. And if Scheelhaase is an offensive coordinator, he would be getting a higher role and with someone who'd be allied with him.
Puma
12:32
How would you rank the Steelers candidates in terms of likelihood they become the next Steelers head coach? Flores, McCarthy, Weaver, Shula, Scheelhaase
Christopher Carter
12:33
Shula
Weaver
Flores
McCarthy
Scheelhaase

I like Scheelhaase but feel like it might be too early for him as a ehad coach.
George T
12:33
Chris, with this year’s QB class not so good or deep, should we keep all of draft picks for I see a number of holes to be filled.  I would like to see in the first two go for two WR, CB, S.   Then fill in with OL, DL, & LB.  Reason for LB is because I believe one will be traded.  What do you think?
Christopher Carter
12:34
I think that's going to be the plan. But don't overlook for the times to trade up, either. Steelers aren't going to hold onto and make 12 picks. They're  going to either use their picks to move up and make some big splashes at important positions that aren't quarterback, or trade them for future picks that put them in prime position to go after the 2027 class.
Steelers Nation Jersey Chapter
12:35
Chris thank you for the chats.  I was wondering if the fact that Shula runs a 3-4 scheme and with limited players made them a top 10 defense would be a major plus in hiring him?
Christopher Carter
12:36
I think it's a plus, but again won't be the biggest factor. Shula definitely has chops as a defensive coordinator, but he also has to show he can be that leader they're looking for at the top.
Wheresthebeef
12:36
Surely Connor Heyward can do whatever Jonnu Smith was able to do?  Cut Jonnu and get Muth back on the field?
Christopher Carter
12:36
Absolutely. And stop calling me Shirley.
George T
12:37
Chris, which player last year improved more than you believe would happen
Christopher Carter
12:40
This is a good question. I expected some improvements like Joey Porter Jr. -- though he took some major steps, I expected them because I've thought he's THAT good.

But I think I'd either have to go with Mason McCormick, Kenneth Gainwell or James Pierre.

The Steelers had a lot of young guys really step up this year like Derrick Harmon, Porter, Keeanu Benton, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, even Broderick Jones. But those were all guys I thought were in line to make those steps based off what I'd seen.

I wasn't sure if McCormick would be as consistent as he's been this season and he absolutely was that. He looks like a great fourth round pick right now that's part of the future.
12:41
Kenneth Gainwell was a stellar FA signing and a top priority to retain this offseason.

James Pierre has been that guy floating around the secondary for years as the man nobody wanted, but he became a shutdown guy this season in some crucial games.

I'd also say, I did not expect Jack Sawyer to make some of the plays he did -- and as much as he did -- down the stretch of the season.
Allegheny Guy
12:43
Very much hope that you and the PG staff find a way to stick together and continue the great sports and news coverage.  No comment/question, just a big thanks.
Christopher Carter
12:43
Thank you!
Socal jeff
12:44
I keep hearing people talk about Will Howard and his potential as a starting Qb for Steelers based on the fact he was a starting Qb in national championship team (see bob pomp). By that logic, Roman Wilson was the WR 1 on a national championship team and was drafted higher than Howard, yet nobody thinks he can be a good starting WR at this point?
Christopher Carter
12:55
The thing to remember is that while Will Howard was a national champion -- and on a team that had a very good offense -- he was not the guy that drove that offense.

The Buckeyes had five different offensive players drafted before him in Emeka Egbuka, Donovan Jackson, Josh Simmons, Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, and Jeremiah Smith looks like a future top 10 pick.

At best, Howard was the seventh-best player in his own offense. That's nothing to be ashamed about, but it should be a reminder that he wasn't the biggest key. Yes, he has good traits that helped him make big plays.

Heck, I touted him as a 4th round prospect last year in my draft prep and though the 6th round was a steal.

But that doesn't mean you should put all your chips behind a 6th round pick. Give him a shot to compete in camp, which he'll get. But banking on that and passing up on potential elite options is a lot.
12:59
For the historians out there, remember Terry Hanratty? I mean, I physically can't because I'm 36 -- but I know my history.

Read Gary Pomerantz's Their Life's Work and you'll see how he detailed Steelers fans who were so enamored with Hanratty, the national champion QB at Notre Dame who was a consensus all-american and the team's 2nd round pick in 1969. And he was from Butler, PA.

He was even a 2nd round pick. Had the Steelers just tried to stick with him and give him a chance, they would've passed on Terry Bradshaw the very next year.

Good thing for Pittsburgh they didn't do that.
One last one before I call it!
putinbatch
12:59
can we please have a moratorium on drafting any receivers under 6"?? is this asking too much? thanks :)
Christopher Carter
1:01
Ha. While I get the reasoning, I also don't think this is necessarily the play.

Particularly because the receiver I'm really intrigued with as I'm starting to look closer at this class is Makai Lemon, who's listed at 5-foot-11. This guy looks like he has an insane catch radius, explosive and a great route runner, and wins combat catches.

He not only could be WR2 next year with DK Metcalf, he could someday become WR1. I get wanting size and tired of the small, quick guys. But there's still value in those types of guys.
1:02
Thanks everyone! That was a fun chat.

Be on the lookout for some more draft insight I'll have coming out this weekend, and a Senior Bowl preview for Monday. I'll also be starting to roll out my final Stars/Skulls grades on the year.

Keep it here with the Post-Gazette. We're still fighting for this place.
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