Insider reveals Steelers' deadline for hiring new OC

The Steelers have been taking their time to search for their next offensive coordinator and one insider revealed fans may be waiting a little longer than they'd like.

"Mike [Tomlin] and Art [Rooney II] are never gonna be in a rush. They're very calculated," the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo said on 93.7 The Fan. "I think with Mike saying what he said last week about learning, I think he will take this a couple more weeks, but I do think you want to have him in place by the Combine."

The NFL Scouting Combine begins on February 29. It may be up to a month until Pittsburgh announces its new OC, according to Fittipaldo's deadline.

But it does make sense for the team's new offensive coordinator to play a role in putting together 2024's roster. Fittipaldo agrees.

"I think you want that guy to be involved in the draft process a little bit," Fittipaldo added. "You don't want to put that guy behind it all. You want him to be involved in the team-building process. ... I think if they can get it done by the Combine, that would be a good first step for them."

The Steelers have typically promoted in-house candidates in a much quicker fashion, but that won't be the case this time around. Tomlin told reporters that Pittsburgh is looking at outside options for its new offensive coordinator following its loss to the Bills in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Rams passing game coordinator Zac Robinson was the first name that emerged. The Steelers requested an interview with him on Monday, according to NFL reporter Albert Breer.

However, Pittsburgh will likely need to move a little faster if it hopes to land Robinson as its next offensive coordinator. The 37-year-old already completed an interview with the Saints while the Patriots and Raiders have shown interest in him as well.

Another name that has popped up is former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury. NBC Sports' Peter King said Kingsbury is "gonna talk to the Steelers" on Tuesday, although there have been no more reports since.

Pittsburgh is going at its own pace and keeping its candidates close to the vest. 

That doesn't necessarily mean the Steelers aren't casting a wide net. It could just be that Tomlin, Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan just want to make sure they hire the right person who can modernize the offense, which has felt stuck in the past for some time now.