Mike Tomlin's decision to step down as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach on January 13 sent ripples through the NFL community. After 19 seasons at the helm, Tomlin's departure marks the end of an era. The Steelers wasted no time in appointing Mike McCarthy as his successor, but Tomlin's legacy will undoubtedly endure.
At the 2026 NFL Combine, John Lynch, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and the current general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, shared his thoughts on Tomlin's departure. Lynch and Tomlin crossed paths for three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Tomlin served as the defensive backs coach.
Lynch reminisced, "I miss it for myself. The Combine was always a chance for us to catch up."
He recounted a personal story from 2001 when Tomlin joined the Buccaneers' coaching staff. Despite being a couple of years younger, Tomlin made an immediate impact on Lynch.
“He came to coach me in Tampa when Herm Edwards left for the Jets. I could tell he was special right away. He challenged me to be better," Lynch recalled.
At that time, Lynch believed he was at the peak of his career. During their first minicamp, Tomlin handed Lynch a VCR tape and a legal pad filled with 86 plays that could be improved.
Initially, Lynch was taken aback. "I’m in the prime of my career, and this guy fresh out of college is telling me how to improve."
But after some encouragement from his wife, Linda, Lynch took Tomlin's advice to heart. "I listened to Linda.
I started reading it, and I became a better player. That’s what makes Mike special.
Our game will miss him."
Tomlin's decision to step away from coaching allows him to enjoy moments like attending his daughter's gymnastics meets at Georgia, something he hadn't been able to do before. Lynch expressed happiness for Tomlin's choice, acknowledging the importance of family time while also hoping for his return to football.
Lynch and Tomlin shared a Super Bowl victory with the Buccaneers, a bond that evolved into a lasting friendship over two decades. Lynch even joined the NFL’s Competition Committee partly to spend more time with Tomlin.
As the NFL community reflects on Tomlin's departure, many, including Lynch, are left wondering if this is truly the end of his coaching journey. Tomlin's influence on the league is undeniable, and while his exit surprised many, there's comfort in knowing he chose family first.