Steelers Daily Roundup: Tomlin Reappears, Bo Nix Injured, and Bills Sound Off After Controversial Finish
It’s been a whirlwind weekend around the NFL and beyond, with coaching searches heating up, playoff drama unfolding, and a familiar face stepping back into the public eye. Let’s break down the biggest headlines fans are talking about today.
Mike Tomlin Makes First Public Appearance Since Steelers Exit
After stepping down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this week, Mike Tomlin surfaced in Athens, Georgia, over the weekend-not on a football sideline, but in the stands.
Tomlin was spotted at the Georgia-Arkansas men’s basketball game on Saturday night. The night before, he was at a Georgia gymnastics meet, watching his daughter Harley compete against LSU.
It marked the first time Tomlin has been seen publicly since his departure from Pittsburgh, and while he wasn’t there to talk football, his presence still turned heads. For a coach who’s been the face of the Steelers for nearly two decades, even a simple appearance at a college event feels like news.
Tom Brady Talks Rodgers Retirement on National Show
Tom Brady joined The Herd with Colin Cowherd and weighed in on the future of Aaron Rodgers, who’s once again at the center of retirement speculation. While Brady didn’t reveal anything definitive, his perspective as a recently retired legend added weight to the conversation. Rodgers’ future remains one of the biggest question marks heading into the offseason.
Bo Nix Out for the Season with Ankle Fracture
Tough blow for the Denver Broncos: rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after fracturing a bone in his right ankle.
Head coach Sean Payton made the announcement after Denver’s dramatic 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills. “We felt like it'd be best to just tell everyone now,” Payton said, keeping it straightforward.
It’s a significant setback for a young quarterback who had shown flashes of promise late in the year. Now, Denver will have to push forward without him as they prep for a conference championship game.
Sean Payton’s Unlikely Playoff Run Continues
Here’s a stat that’s hard to ignore: Sean Payton is coaching in a conference championship game with a roster where his highest-paid player is… Russell Wilson, who isn’t even on the team anymore. Wilson’s $32 million dead cap hit is still on the books, yet Payton has managed to guide this Denver squad deep into January.
It’s a testament to Payton’s adaptability and coaching acumen. Denver’s roster isn’t loaded with stars, but they’ve found ways to win-gritty, resourceful football that’s gotten them within one win of a Super Bowl appearance.
Ravens, Steelers Interview Chris Shula for Head Coach Role
The Baltimore Ravens confirmed they completed a virtual interview with Chris Shula for their head coaching vacancy. The Steelers also interviewed Shula virtually the day before.
Shula, currently the defensive coordinator for the Rams, is starting to draw serious attention in this coaching cycle. His name has been linked to several openings, and both AFC North rivals are clearly doing their homework.
Bills Fume Over Controversial Finish in Denver
The Bills’ season ended in heartbreaking fashion, and the way it ended is fueling plenty of frustration in Buffalo.
In overtime, with the game tied and the Bills facing 3rd-and-11 from their own 36, Josh Allen launched a deep pass to Brandin Cooks. Cooks appeared to secure the catch, go to the ground, and get touched down. But officials ruled that Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian came away with the ball and awarded Denver the interception.
Had the play been ruled a catch and down by contact, Buffalo would’ve had the ball at the Denver 20-well within Matt Prater’s range for a game-winning field goal.
To make matters worse, on the following drive, Bills corner Tre’Davious White was flagged for a questionable defensive pass interference call, setting up Wil Lutz’s 23-yard field goal to win it for the Broncos.
Sean McDermott Sounds Off on Officiating
Bills head coach Sean McDermott didn’t hold back in his postgame press conference, calling the overtime interception ruling “hard to understand.”
“If it is ruled that way, then why wasn’t it slowed down just to make sure that we have this right?” McDermott asked.
“That’s a pivotal play in the game. We’d have the ball at the 20 and maybe be kicking a game-winning field goal right there.”
McDermott made it clear he was speaking up not just out of frustration, but to advocate for his team. “I’m standing up for Buffalo, damn it,” he said. “These guys spend three hours out there playing football, pouring their guts out.”
It’s the kind of ending that will sting for a long time in Western New York-and likely lead to some offseason discussions about how replay is used in critical moments.
Steelers Coaching Search Continues
As the Steelers continue their search for a new head coach, several names remain in play-and a few are starting to fall off the board. Recent developments include:
- A scheduled in-person interview with Brian Flores
- A coaching candidate who reportedly turned down a job with the Browns
- Another potential target who made it clear: “I’m not an NFL guy”
The search is heating up, and with Tomlin officially out, the franchise is navigating unfamiliar territory. Expect more movement in the coming days.
Around the Steelers: Roster Moves and Legal News
- Pittsburgh re-signed an edge rusher who spent time with the Browns
- They also brought back a hyper-athletic cornerback for the 2026 season
- A former Steelers employee has filed a lawsuit against the team and owner Art Rooney II
- The wife of a former Steelers wide receiver announced a run for political office
Pirates Prospect Konnor Griffin Gets Spring Invite
On the baseball side of things, Pirates prospect Konnor Griffin is set to join the team as a non-roster invitee this spring. The question now: can he make enough noise to crack the Opening Day roster?
From coaching searches to playoff heartbreak, it’s been a busy few days across the NFL landscape. And with conference championship weekend on deck, the drama is far from over.