Steelers Request Interview with 49ers OC Klay Kubiak
January 15, 2026
San Francisco, CA
The 49ers coaching tree is shedding more branches — and this time, the spotlight is on Offensive Coordinator Klay Kubiak.
Following a standout 2025 season in which he helped guide the San Francisco offense through a gauntlet of injuries, reports surfaced on January 15, 2026, that the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially requested permission to interview Kubiak for their vacant head coaching position.
The Meteoric Rise of Klay Kubiak
While the Kubiak name is deeply rooted in NFL success — as the son of Super Bowl-winning coach Gary Kubiak and brother of Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak — Klay has steadily carved out a reputation of his own in Santa Clara.
Since joining the 49ers in 2021, his ascent through the coaching ranks has been rapid and deliberate:
- 2021: Defensive Quality Control (learning the game from the other side of the ball)
- 2022–2023: Assistant Quarterbacks Coach (instrumental in the development of Brock Purdy)
- 2024: Offensive Passing Game Specialist
- 2025: Promoted to Offensive Coordinator
Producing Under Pressure
Under Kubiak’s guidance in 2025, the 49ers offense remained explosive despite significant adversity. The unit lost Brandon Aiyuk for the season and was forced to start Mac Jones for eight games.
Still, San Francisco finished:
- 7th in total offensive yards
- 10th in scoring offense
The results cemented Kubiak’s reputation as a coach who can adapt, innovate, and thrive under pressure — traits highly coveted on the head coaching market.
Why the Steelers Are Calling
Pittsburgh is casting a wide net as it looks to replace Mike Tomlin, and Kubiak represents a potential shift toward the Shanahan coaching tree that has reshaped modern NFL offenses.
Known for his calm demeanor and creative play design, Kubiak’s résumé includes memorable moments — such as the Jauan Jennings-to-Christian McCaffrey touchdown pass in the Wild Card round — that highlight his willingness to think outside the box.
League circles have described him as a “diamond in the rough” capable of modernizing the Steelers’ offense while maintaining physical identity.
The interview is expected to take place virtually this Friday, just days before the 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks in a high-stakes Divisional Round matchup.
📣 49ers Faithful
🚨 HUGE NEWS: The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially requested to interview our OC Klay Kubiak for their Head Coach vacancy! 👔
From developing Brock Purdy to leading a Top-10 offense through a sea of injuries this year, Klay has earned every bit of this buzz.
We’d hate to lose him — but it’s a testament to the culture Kyle Shanahan has built in SF.
Let’s wish Klay luck on the interview, but keep his focus on CRUSHING Seattle this Saturday! 😤❤️💛
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