Mike Tomlin may have stepped away from the sidelines, but he’s still showing up where it matters most. The longtime Steelers head coach made his first public appearance since announcing his departure from Pittsburgh - not at a press conference or football event, but in the stands, cheering on his daughter at a Georgia gymnastics meet.
Tomlin, dressed casually in a white hoodie, looked relaxed and proud as he watched his daughter, Harlyn Quinn, compete. Harlyn is a sophomore gymnast at the University of Georgia, and Friday’s meet gave Tomlin a chance to enjoy a different kind of competition - one where he’s not calling plays, just soaking in the moment as a dad.
It’s no secret Tomlin has a tight bond with his daughter. Back in 2020, he shared a post on social media featuring a few family photos and a caption that said it all: “Even my boys know that Harley is my favorite.” That kind of candid honesty is classic Tomlin - direct, heartfelt, and always grounded in family.
Tomlin and his wife, Kiya, have three children together - two sons and a daughter - and while Mike was in the stands this week supporting Harlyn, Kiya was busy promoting her fashion line, Kiya Tomlin Fashion, which blends NFL fandom with runway flair. It’s clear the Tomlin household isn’t slowing down, even with Mike stepping away from coaching - just shifting focus to different arenas.
Earlier this week, Tomlin officially announced his departure from the Steelers, closing the book on a remarkable 19-year run as the team’s head coach. In a statement, he reflected on what the organization has meant to him - and it was every bit the thoughtful, appreciative message you’d expect from a coach who’s been a fixture in Pittsburgh for nearly two decades.
“This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team,” Tomlin said. “I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful."
He didn’t forget the fans either, adding: “I want to also thank Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team.”
This past season, Tomlin once again led the Steelers into the playoffs - a testament to his consistency and resilience as a coach. But their postseason run was cut short in the Wild Card round by the Houston Texans, ending any hopes of a deeper push toward the Super Bowl.
Now, with the 2026 season on the horizon, Tomlin is reportedly planning to take a break from football. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he’s not expected to coach or take on a new role this year. After nearly two decades of game plans, press conferences, and playoff pushes, it’s a well-earned pause.
Still, knowing Tomlin, this isn’t the end of the story - just a new chapter. Whether he returns to the NFL down the line or finds a different path entirely, one thing’s for sure: he’s going to keep showing up with the same passion, whether it’s on the football field or in the stands, cheering for his favorite gymnast.