Monday’s “First Call” has some updates on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ coaching situation. New England has tied a noteworthy Steelers’ historical mark. And we lay out the Penguins’ western road trip, which gets underway Monday evening in Seattle.
Return trip
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is coming to Pittsburgh this week for an in-person interview to fill the Steelers’ vacant head coaching position.
That’s according to a Saturday report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
From @NFLGameDay Morning with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: The #Steelers are planning to take their time with the HC process; What’s gone into the #Giants wait for John Harbaugh; The #Raiders will interview Mike McDaniel for HC in Miami this week. pic.twitter.com/77LvPBSC58
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2026
Flores was a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Steelers in 2022. He was previously the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2019-21. After going 5-11 his first year there, Flores’ Dolphins were 10-6 and 9-8 the next two years before he was dismissed.
This year, the Vikings were third in total defense at 282.6 yards allowed per game. They were second against the pass at 158.5. And they gave up 19.6 points per game, seventh-best in the NFL.
Rapoport is reporting the Steelers will also have an in-person interview with Anthony Weaver, the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator.
#Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver is expected to have a second, in-person interview with the #Steelers for their HC position this week, source said. pic.twitter.com/O9GFwlKUSD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2026
Waiting game
If the Steelers want more information on Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula or Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, they are going to have to wait a week.
That’s because L.A. beat Chicago in overtime Sunday to advance to the NFC Championship game.
MEVIS CALLS GAME!!
???? @SNFonNBC | #RamsHousepic.twitter.com/szkHCvt86T
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 19, 2026
By rule, NFL teams can’t interview assistant coaches in person for promotions in other cities until their season is over. Or, in the case of clubs advancing to the Super Bowl, at least until the bye week between Championship Game Weekend and the Super Bowl.
As explained at The Athletic: “During the bye week between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl, franchises can schedule virtual or in-person interviews with coaches competing in the Super Bowl. Teams conducting these interviews must notify the candidates’ employer teams. Once Super Bowl week begins, interested teams must wait until the day after the Super Bowl to resume any contact with these candidates.”
The Steelers reportedly had virtual interviews with Scheelhaase and Shula scheduled for late last week.
More sports
• Madden Monday: Art Rooney II ‘wasted a decade,’ so expect the Steelers to ‘hire the wrong guy’
• Tim Benz: Steelers are reportedly ‘open to an Aaron Rodgers return.’ Here’s why they shouldn’t be
• Joe Starkey’s Stick Route: Steelers should have at least interviewed Kevin Stefanski
Tying the mark
When New England plays Denver on Sunday, it will mark the 16th AFC Championship game for the Patriots franchise. They will tie the Steelers for the most appearances in the game.
The @Patriots tie the Steelers for the most conference championship appearances by an AFC team all-time (16) ????#NEPatspic.twitter.com/3yIAku9bEa
— NFL (@NFLPlus) January 18, 2026
The Patriots are 11-4 in their first 15 AFC Championship game outings. The Steelers are 8-8.
Three times the Patriots and Steelers have played each other in the conference title game, with New England claiming all three victories in the 2001-02, ‘04-’05 and ‘16-’17 seasons. The first two contests were in Pittsburgh, the third was in Foxborough.
On the NFC side, San Francisco has 19 appearances. Dallas is next with 14.
According to DraftKings, New England is a 5½-point favorite over the Broncos this weekend. The Seattle Seahawks are 2½-point favorites over the Rams.
Holiday start time
The Penguins face off at 5 p.m. Monday in Seattle. That’s a 2 p.m. start time out West for a Martin Luther King Day puck drop.
The Pens begin their weeklong, four-game road trip following a 4-3 shootout loss to Columbus on Saturday.
COYLE WINS IT IN THE SHOOTOUT ????
CBJ x @FanaticsBookpic.twitter.com/xEwUSfGsyB
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 18, 2026
The Pens have now lost four of their past five games, but they remain in a playoff spot as the third-place team in the Metropolitan Division with 55 points.
The Kraken are in a similar position. They hold third place in the Pacific Division with 51 points.
Seattle is scuffling as well, having lost five of its last six outings. In every one of those five defeats, the Kraken have scored three goals or fewer. Prior to this dry spell, Seattle had been on a tear, winning eight of nine from Dec. 20 to Jan. 6.
Penguins legend Ron Francis is the president of hockey operations for Seattle. Ex-Pens assistant Jason Botterill is the general manager.
After this game, the Penguins visit Calgary on Wednesday, Edmonton on Thursday, and Vancouver on Saturday. Their next home game is Jan. 29 versus the Chicago Blackhawks.