The Pittsburgh Steelers have just completed the 2025 NFL Draft. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin did a very nice job in the eyes of many, finding a strong mix of need and value throughout the weekend. With the attention of Steeler Nation still focused on the newest rookie class, a quiet coaching change also appeared to take place behind the scenes.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan answer questions from the Pittsburgh media.
On Monday, the Steelers appeared to have made it secretly known that they were no longer employing senior offensive assistant and former quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan. Sullivan had been with the Steelers since 2021 and notably took on a larger role during the 2023 season when he helped operate the offense after the firing of Matt Canada.
Alongside running backs coach Eddie Faulkner, Sullivan played a key part in keeping the offense functional during a turbulent stretch that ultimately led the Steelers to a playoff appearance.
According to ESPN Steelers insider Brooke Pryor, the Steelers appear to have officially parted ways with Sullivan and relieved him of his coaching duties. While no formal announcement has been made by the team, Sullivan’s bio was quietly removed from the team website, signaling the end of his time in Pittsburgh. As the Steelers move forward with a revamped coaching staff and a retooled roster, it’s clear the organization is embracing a fresh start in multiple areas.
"The Steelers removed Mike Sullivan's bio from the website," Pryor wrote. "Not sure when it happened, but the former QB coach and senior offensive assistant appears to be no longer employed by the team. The number of pro coaches in Pittsburgh named Mike Sullivan is down to zero."
Sullivan has been coaching in the NFL since 2002, building a long and respected career across multiple organizations. The Steelers initially brought him on in 2021 and leaned heavily on his experience during turbulent stretches, most notably when he helped guide the offense following the firing of Canada during the 2023 season.
Ahead of the 2024 season, however, Pittsburgh brought in Tom Arth to be their new quarterbacks coach. Arth arrived with plenty of hype surrounding his reputation for developing quarterbacks, which quickly led many Steelers fans to question what the addition meant for Sullivan’s future with the team.
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Steelers EX-QB Kenny Pickett and former QB coach Mike Sullivan.
The Steelers ultimately shifted Sullivan into a senior offensive assistant role prior to the 2024 campaign, signaling a change in his responsibilities. However, with the removal of his bio from the team website and multiple reports suggesting he has been relieved of his duties, it now appears that Sullivan no longer has a role within the organization.
After four seasons in Pittsburgh, the team seems to be moving in a new direction, continuing their broader effort to reshape the offensive coaching staff following an underwhelming 2024 season.
At 58 years old, Sullivan will likely be looking for his next opportunity elsewhere in the NFL. Given his extensive experience, including multiple stints as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, he could still attract interest from teams looking to add a seasoned voice to their offensive rooms. For now, it remains to be seen where Sullivan will land, but his long track record suggests he may not be without a coaching job for long.
Steelers Fans Will Always Appreciate Mike Sullivan
Steelers fans will always appreciate Sullivan’s efforts as a makeshift offensive play caller during the final stretch of the 2023 season. In a challenging situation, he stepped up when the Steelers needed him most, helping to keep their playoff hopes alive. Under his guidance, the team managed to win three crucial games in a row, securing a spot in the postseason.
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Pittsburgh Steelers former offensive coordinator duo - Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan.
While their playoff run ended swiftly with a loss to the Buffalo Bills, Sullivan played a key role in keeping the offense functional, especially in the absence of a clear offensive identity. His work with Mason Rudolph and the rest of the offense during that turbulent time was instrumental in keeping the season from slipping away entirely, and it’s something Steelers fans will remember with respect.
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