Steelers Fans Get Important Message From Art Rooney II And Mike Tomlin After Shocking News (Steelers News)
Steelers News

Steelers Fans Get Important Message From Art Rooney II And Mike Tomlin After Shocking News

Lake Fong / PPG
author image

The Pittsburgh Steelers saw their longtime Head Coach Mike Tomlin step down on Tuesday. This decision is reportedly something Tomlin had been considering for some time, and the fact that he stepped down less than 24 hours after the 30-6 playoff loss to the Houston Texans speaks volumes about where his mind truly was. 

Steelers Mike Tomlin

Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.

While many Steelers fans will be sad to see Tomlin leave, there is also a sense of gratitude for his 19 seasons with the team, even as playoff success has eluded them since the 2016 season. Many fans are excited about a new start in the Steel City. The Steelers head coaching vacancy is one of the most attractive in all of professional sports. 

Steelers Team President Art Rooney II released an official statement following the news, expressing both appreciation for Tomlin’s dedication and optimism for the future. Rooney highlighted Tomlin’s leadership, commitment to the franchise, and the lasting impact he has had on players, staff, and fans alike. The statement served as a reminder of the remarkable consistency and competitiveness Tomlin brought to Pittsburgh over nearly two decades.

"During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our Head Coach," Rooney said. "Obviously, l am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years. It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin. He guided the franchise to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career. His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated. My family and I, and everyone connected to Steelers management, are forever grateful for the passion and dedication Mike Tomlin has devoted to Steelers football."

While Tomlin’s next move remains uncertain, reports suggest he may spend time in television before deciding whether to return to coaching. 

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Mike Tomlin

Justin Guido / Post-Gazette

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers chats with Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a home game in Pittsburgh in the 2025 NFL season.

Meanwhile, speculation is already circulating about potential successors, and NFL insiders have linked Tomlin to possible opportunities with other teams in the future. For the Steelers, this marks the beginning of a new era, one that will require big decisions as the franchise looks to regain its playoff prominence.


Steelers' Mike Tomlin Releases An Official Statement After Stepping Down

The end of Tomlin’s era marks a major turning point for the Steelers, signaling that big changes are on the horizon.

"After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers," Tomlin said. "This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team. I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney Il 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. 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. While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh."

Fans and the franchise alike now face a period of uncertainty, but also the opportunity to start a new chapter in Pittsburgh football history.

Steelers' Omar Khan

Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers brass Art Rooney II and Omar Khan, along with former head coach, Mike Tomlin.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

#SteelerNation



Loading...
Steeler Nation Fans
Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2026 Steeler Nation: Pittsburgh Steelers News, Rumors, & More