After 19 seasons, seven division titles, and one Lombardi Trophy, the Mike Tomlin era in Pittsburgh may be nearing its final chapter. And while nothing is official, the writing on the wall is getting harder to ignore.
The Steelers are 6-6, technically still alive in the AFC North, but that record feels more like a ceiling than a launching point. This season has been a grind, and not the kind that builds character - the kind that exposes cracks.
The offense, despite the high-profile addition of Aaron Rodgers, has sputtered to 27th in total yards. The defense, long a calling card of Tomlin’s identity, has slipped into the league’s bottom half in both points and yards allowed.
For a franchise that prides itself on consistency and toughness, this version of the Steelers feels stuck in neutral.
And then there’s the receiver swap that’s only added fuel to the fire. Pittsburgh shipped out George Pickens - who’s blossomed into one of the league’s most dangerous wideouts in Dallas - and brought in DK Metcalf, whose production has dipped to a career low in yards per game.
The numbers tell the story: Metcalf has 37 catches for 551 yards and 5 touchdowns; Pickens? 58 grabs, 908 yards, and 7 scores.
That’s not just a trade that hasn’t worked out - it’s one that’s actively haunting the Steelers’ front office.
The discontent isn’t just external. Even Ben Roethlisberger, Tomlin’s former quarterback and longtime supporter, has publicly floated the idea that it might be time for a change.
“Maybe it is ‘clean-house’ time. Maybe it is time,” Roethlisberger said on his “Footbahlin’” podcast.
“I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin.
But maybe it’s best for him, too. Maybe a fresh start for him is what’s best.”
It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially considering Tomlin’s résumé. He’s one of the most respected defensive minds of his generation, a leader who’s never had a losing season - until now, potentially.
If the Steelers do decide to move on, Tomlin won’t be out of work for long. In fact, he might be the most sought-after coach on the market in 2026.
Here are three teams that could be ideal landing spots for Tomlin if he becomes available:
3. Arizona Cardinals
Don’t let the 3-9 record fool you - Arizona has been far more competitive than their record suggests. Seven of those nine losses have come by one score, and they’ve pushed playoff contenders like Jacksonville, San Francisco, Green Bay, and Indianapolis to the brink. That’s not a team giving up; that’s a team learning how to win.
Offensively, the Cardinals have some real pieces to build around. Trey McBride has emerged as a reliable target, Marvin Harrison Jr. is every bit the elite prospect he was billed to be, and Michael Wilson has shown flashes.
Even with backup Jacoby Brissett under center, this group has moved the ball. Defensively, rookies Walter Nolen III and Will Johnson have already shown they can be difference-makers.
Tomlin would walk into a roster with young talent on both sides of the ball and a fanbase hungry for relevance. The quarterback situation might give him pause, but if Arizona can find stability there, Tomlin’s defensive pedigree could finally give the Cardinals the identity they’ve lacked under Jonathan Gannon.
2. New York Giants
The Giants are in better shape than their record might indicate - and certainly more attractive than most teams picking near the top of the draft. They’ve got what looks like a franchise quarterback in Jaxson Dart, and their offense should get a major boost next season with the return of Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers. The offensive line, long a sore spot in New York, is finally showing signs of life.
Defensively, things have been inconsistent, but the talent is undeniable. Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and Abdul Carter form a front seven core that most teams would envy.
The Giants have lost a lot of close games this season, but they’re not far off. What they need is a steady hand - someone who can turn those narrow defeats into gritty wins.
Enter Tomlin. His experience, leadership, and defensive mind could be exactly what this team needs to take the next step.
New York is a pressure cooker, sure, but Tomlin’s been thriving under pressure for nearly two decades. If the Giants want to flip the script quickly, he’s the guy to do it.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
This one would be wild - and poetic.
Zac Taylor has had his moments in Cincinnati, but missing the playoffs for a third straight season, especially in a year where the Ravens and Steelers are down, could force the Bengals’ hand. If they decide to make a change, Tomlin would be a home-run hire.
Cincinnati’s offense is already built to win now. Joe Burrow, Chase Brown, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase are all under contract for the foreseeable future.
That group can put up points with anyone. But the defense?
That’s been the Achilles’ heel. The Bengals rank dead last in both points and yards allowed - a brutal combination for a team with playoff aspirations.
Tomlin wouldn’t need to overhaul the roster - just bring the kind of discipline, toughness, and defensive structure that’s been his trademark. Could Bengals ownership stomach hiring the man who’s tormented them for years in Pittsburgh?
That’s the big question. But if they’re serious about contending again, Tomlin might be their best shot at fixing what’s broken.
Whether or not this is the end of the road for Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh, one thing is clear: He’s still one of the most respected minds in football. If the Steelers decide to turn the page, don’t expect Tomlin to be out of the game for long. In fact, his next chapter might be just as compelling as the one he’s written in black and gold.