Mike Tomlin isn’t shutting the door on coaching again, even as he settles into his first year in media with NBC after stepping away from the Steelers following 19 seasons.
In a conversation with Cris Collinsworth on PFF, Tomlin made it clear that he still loves the job, but he also stressed that any return would come with limits. He said there are only certain teams he would consider, while adding that he’s been surprised by how much he’s enjoyed life on the other side of the profession so far.
“It’s certainly not a 32-team league for me, but I’ve also learned to never say never,” Tomlin said. “I love to coach.
I love all the challenges of the profession. I love to be a part of growth and development of young people individually.
I love the measurement of the seven-day cycle, but also have enjoyed, man, the last six months life on this other side that I had no idea about.”
Tomlin, 54, was hired by Pittsburgh in 2007 and delivered a Super Bowl in his second season. The Steelers reached two Super Bowls during his tenure and won one, and he never posted a losing season as an NFL head coach.
He stepped away after the 2025 season, closing out a run that included 13 playoff appearances in 19 years. His career mark stands at 193-114-2, with an 8-12 record in the postseason.
There had already been some chatter about a possible future landing spot. Earlier this offseason, it was reported the Jets had done preliminary work on Tomlin for 2027, though Tony Pauline said it would take a “king’s ransom” for him to take that job.
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Steelers Quarterback Decision Just Sparked A Real Roster Debate
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Pickett also made a point to back the younger names in the room, singling out second-year quarterback Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar as part of a competitive group that has raised the standard. For a team that has spent plenty of time sorting out the depth chart under center, the real debate now is less about whether the room has talent and more about how long Pittsburgh can keep all of it together. [Read more 🡒]