The Pittsburgh Steelers have been historically awful in recent years in the playoffs. They have tied the record for most consecutive postseason losses, and they also have the record for most consecutive playoff games where they lost by at least 10 points. Everything is going wrong for Pittsburgh, and there seems to be a seemingly endless cycle of mediocrity going on for the team. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has taken a lot of heat for these failures, and fans have been demanding change for a while now.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers fans have finally gotten their wish. Numerous NFL analysts have reported that Tomlin is officially stepping down as head coach of the team. After 19 years, he is officially out. There will be a new leader in Pittsburgh for 2026 and beyond.
BREAKING: The #Steelers and HC Mike Tomlin are parting ways, per sources.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 13, 2026
The end of an era in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/HppKqp8SBv
Tomlin has certainly done plenty of good things with the organization, as he won a Super Bowl and made another early on in his career. His non-losing streak is also impressive, but at the end of the day, it appears best for both parties to take a step back and evaluate their futures. A long playoff skid like that will definitely cause tension, and that was the case here. Now, both sides can get a fresh start and could improve in the future.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) sit in the franchise's draft room as they anxiously watch the board in 2023.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Tomlin will most likely go to TV for a year before reevaluating his options for 2027. He is definitely made for the broadcast booth with his charisma and funny "Tomlinisms." Broadcasting companies are likely fighting each other to hand him a blank check as we speak. He will most likely be beloved in his new role.
The belief in league circles is Mike Tomlin will do media for at least one season, like his predecessor Bill Cowher.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 13, 2026
All options will be available to him after next season. https://t.co/AsJAnS6Q8o
Of course, the Steelers do need a new head coach. Because of the stability and reluctancy to fire a coach, the Steelers' vacancy is one of, if not the most attractive job in the NFL. Coaching prospects will be fighting to get interviews there, as who wouldn't want to lead an organization that is known for stability and not letting coaches go? This is the perfect destination.
Steelers Could Get Massive Boost If Tomlin Returns To Coaching Soon
Because Tomlin left on his own and he was not fired, the Steelers still hold his rights for 2026 and likely 2027. That means if any team decides they want to hire him in the near future, it will have to make a trade with Pittsburgh to acquire him and his rights. For a respected man like him, it will not be cheap to bring him in. They can easily make out like bandits if anyone wants him bad enough.
AP Photo / Michael Ainsworth
Steelers' Mike Tomlin speaks with Cowboys' Jerry Jones before a game.
Recently, a similar situation happened with Sean Payton, who stepped down as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. He took a year off before agreeing to lead the Denver Broncos. To complete the hiring, Denver had to make a trade. It gave up a first-round pick in exchange for Payton. Tomlin is seemingly much more respected around NFL circles than the current Broncos coach, so the Steelers could command more than just a late first.
What do you think about Tomlin stepping down, as well as his career in Pittsburgh up to this point? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB, and good luck to him on his future endeavors.
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