New info reveals why Steelers are on track to land best possible HC candidate

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not necessarily familiar with being involved in a head-coaching carousel. 

The franchise has had to evaluate the position just three times since 1969, which is one of the most incredible facts in all of sports. With that said, Art Rooney II finds himself under intense pressure to bring in the proper candidate to replace longtime leader Mike Tomlin. 

It has been and will continue to be a tedious process, but the organization did not reach out to dozens of coaches. There was a very select group that received the opportunity to meet with the decision-makers in the Steel City.

It's anybody's guess as to who will win the front office over; however, it's fair to note that no one expected Tomlin to receive the job nearly two decades ago. He blew the Steelers brass away during his interview sessions, and the rest, as they say, is history. One name continues to emerge, though, and that is Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

Chris Shula is a name to watch in Steelers' HC search

On Wednesday, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk hopped on 93.7 The Fan to talk to "The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller." He made a pretty interesting connection to Shula and Pittsburgh legend Chuck Noll.

"I think if anybody from the Rams is getting that [Steelers] job, it's Chris Shula," Florio noted. "If the Steelers are going to do what they've always done — that bread crumb trail back to Don Shula and Chuck Noll working together at Super Bowl III, 15 days before Chuck Noll was hired by the Steelers, and Don Shula recommended him for that job."

Shula's unique history regarding his grandfather and Noll is certainly something to note. On top of that, Florio really doesn't think the Steelers have much competition for Shula. Not because he isn't a potentially great hire, but because most of the other franchises still looking are not ideal landing spots.

"There isn't one that stands out because here's the benefit the Steelers have: they're really only competing with the Ravens and the Bills. Like, you've got three functional teams and then you've got the three dysfunctional teams: the Cardinals, the Raiders and the Browns," Florio said. 

The insider makes a good point. There is a rich history in the Steel City, but the idea of ending up with the Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders or Cleveland Browns may not sit well with the defensive mastermind.

The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills are successful organizations that could entice Shula; however, Florio doesn't believe that either of the two will be in on the Rams defensive play-caller.

"Unless the Ravens want him or the Bills decide they want him — and I don't think the Bills are going to want him because they're not going to go in that direction. They need an offensive coach to get more out of Josh Allen. That would be the only risk and I don't think — you know the Ravens keep their cards very close to the vest," Florio stated. "So, the Steelers have the advantage of not being the Browns, the Cardinals or the Raiders and I think that's going to break the tie for them."

All in all, it seems as if Shula may fall right into the Steelers' lap. The team will have to wait until after the NFC Championship Game to welcome him for an in-person interview, but Pittsburgh could have its next head coach before the Super Bowl kicks off.

Steelers would continue the tradition if Chris Shula ends up being hired

Pittsburgh has always valued defense and leadership. That is what the organization has gone after during just a few head-coaching searches in the past five-and-a-half decades. Shula fits that mold perfectly. Additionally, he is just 39 years of age and could be around the Steel City for quite a while. Now, it seems as if Rooney and Co. may have a leg up. That could lead to Shula being hired relatively soon.