The Pittsburgh Steelers will interview Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for the second time this week. But the Steelers could have competition from the AFC North for Weaver if he emerges as the team’s favorite to replace Mike Tomlin.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday the Baltimore Ravens have scheduled a second interview with Weaver as well. The second interview with both teams will be in person.
Pelissero posted on social media Weaver will meet with the Ravens on Tuesday. When NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported early Monday that Weaver will meet with the Steelers in person, he didn’t include a specific day.
Weaver served as the Dolphins defensive coordinator the past two years under fired head coach Mike McDaniel. Weaver was also the Houston Texans defensive coordinator in 2020.
Anthony Weaver Head Coach Candidate for Steelers, Ravens
The Steelers and Ravens have battled on the field in the AFC North for the past couple decades. It’s only fitting that with both franchises experiencing a coaching change at the same time, the two organizations would be pursuing the same head coach candidates.
Both franchises would probably like their next head coaches to experience more playoff success. From a coaching style perspective, the Steelers and Ravens could also be interested in the same type of candidates.
The Ravens, though, might prefer a coach with an offensive background to maximize what’s left of Lamar Jackson’s prime. The Steelers could change things up with an offensive mind in charge as well, but Pittsburgh is interviewing a lot of defensive assistants for its head coach opening.
Weaver has 14 years of NFL experience as a defensive assistant. He coached under Harbaugh with the Ravens from 2021-23, which could give Baltimore an edge if it identifies Weaver as its top candidate.
Weaver served as the Ravens defensive line coach for those three seasons. He was also an associate head coach for Baltimore from 2022-23.
In addition to the Texans, Ravens and Dolphins, Weaver has had coaching stints with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns.
How Sean McDermott Could Change NFL Offseason Coaching Carousel
NFL teams have been constructing their plans to choose their next head coach for more than a week. Two teams, the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons, have already hired their next head coaches.
But the landscape of the coaching cycle this offseason changed Monday morning with Sean McDermott becoming available. The Buffalo Bills fired McDermott after nine years.
Despite six consecutive seasons with a playoff win, the Bills failed to even earn an AFC championship under McDermott.
It will be interesting to see if McDermott could become a candidate for either the Steelers or Ravens. It’s also possible the Bills consider hiring Weaver or other candidates the AFC North teams were planning to interview.
The Steelers could be interviewing several candidates for the second time this week. As of Monday, the team has second interviews scheduled with Weaver and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Flores spent one season on Tomlin’s staff in Pittsburgh during 2022 as a very overqualified defensive assistant.
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