Steelers' Next Head Coach Odds: McDermott in the Running After Buffalo Firing

For the first time in nearly two decades, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a new head coach. 

On Jan. 14, longtime head coach Mike Tomlin announced that he is stepping down from the position, meaning one of the NFL's legacy franchises has a coveted job opening. 

Who will the Steelers turn to next? 

Let's check out the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Jan. 19. 

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Steelers' next permanent head coach

Chris Shula (Rams DC): -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)
Sean McDermott (former Bills HC): +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)
Brian Flores (Vikings DC): +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Mike McCarthy (former Cowboys HC): +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Vance Joseph (Broncos DC): +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Nate Scheelhaase (Rams pass game co.): +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Robert Saleh (49ers DC): +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Anthony Weaver (Dolphins DC): +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Klint Kubiak (Seahawks OC): +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Jesse Minter (Chargers DC): +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)
Mike McDaniel (Former Dolphins HC): +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)

Here is what to know about the oddsboard: 

Defense Wins Championships: At least that's what Pittsburgh — and the oddsmakers — appear to believe. Of the top 10 names on the board, six are current NFL defensive coordinators, and Sean McDermott is considered a defensive head coach. The favorite is Chris Shula, whose Rams defense wasn't remarkable this season, finishing 10th in points allowed per game (20.4) and 17th in total yards allowed per game (327.5). Still, Shula moved from +190 to -175 over the past few days, after having his first interview with the franchise. So far this postseason, the Rams have allowed 31 points at Carolina and 17 at Chicago. One area of success for the L.A. defense in the playoffs is turnover creation, having forced five in two playoff games.

A New Name: The Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott on Monday, and now, he is second on the oddsboard behind Shula. McDermott spent nine seasons as the Bills' coach. In that span, he went 98-50, leading the franchise to eight winning seasons and seven consecutive seasons with double-digit wins. Buffalo also won five AFC East titles under McDermott and made the playoffs eight out of nine years. Buffalo made it to the AFC title game twice, in 2020 and 2024, losing to the Chiefs both times.

A Second New Name: Reports dropped Monday that the Steelers plan to interview former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy for their job opening, and McCarthy now sits fourth on this board. McCarthy served as head coach for the Packers from 2006 to 2018, before leading the Cowboys from 2020 to 2024. He won Super Bowl XLV with Green Bay and led his teams to the playoffs in 12 out of 18 seasons as a head coach.

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