Mike Tomlin Has Clear Path To Seriously Screw The Steelers Over In 2027

The Pittsburgh Steelers watched as Mike Tomlin decided it was time to hang up his clipboard after 19 seasons with the organization. Somehow, Tomlin never finished with a losing season during his entire run in Pittsburgh, which is one of the most impressive accomplishments any NFL coach has ever put together. At the same time, the Steelers haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. For a franchise with six Super Bowl championships, that's simply not good enough. Tomlin understood that, and instead of waiting for the organization to make a decision, he walked away on his own terms.

Now the Steelers move into a new era with Mike McCarthy leading the way. There's plenty of talent on the roster, but everyone knows the biggest question is what happens at quarterback after Aaron Rodgers retires following the 2026 season. Rodgers has made it clear this is his final year, and while Will Howard and Drew Allar are both developing, asking either one to become the franchise quarterback by 2027 feels like a big leap right now.

That's why the Baker Mayfield situation with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is so interesting. The Buccaneers haven't been able to reach an extension with Mayfield, meaning he'll play out the final year of his contract before hitting free agency. 

He said it himself that he doesn't feel appreciated by the organization, despite playing some of the best football of his career over the last couple of seasons. If he actually makes it to free agency, it's easy to see why so many people believe Pittsburgh should be all over him.

McCarthy and Steelers General Manager Omar Khan would have every reason to make that call. Mayfield would give the Steelers a proven quarterback still in his prime instead of forcing Howard or Allar into the starting job before they're ready. It makes a lot of sense on paper. According to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, though, there could be one person who ends up getting in the way, and it's someone Steelers fans know better than anyone.

"I don't know if they can afford to go get [Baker Mayfield]. Maybe because they are set up to have three, four, or five years of cheap, low-level quarterback prices," Kaboly said while speaking on 93.7 The Fan. "Maybe he stays in Tampa because maybe Mike Tomlin is the next coach in Tampa... I'm just saying, Tampa is falling apart. Tomlin is going to coach again. He has history with the Glazer family. Does that sound like a match made in heaven?"

Tomlin has never said he's definitely coming back to coaching, but he also hasn't ruled it out. He'll only be 54 years old in 2027, which isn't too old to be a NFL head coach. It wouldn't be shocking if he eventually missed the sidelines and decided he wanted another shot somewhere else.

If that happens, Tampa Bay makes a lot of sense. Before becoming the Steelers' head coach, Tomlin spent five seasons with the Buccaneers as their defensive backs coach from 2001 through 2005. He was part of the staff that won a Super Bowl there, so there's already history between Tomlin and the organization when it decides to make a coaching change down the line.

Todd Bowles has done a solid job with the Buccaneers, but his future has been questioned before after some disappointing finishes in big moments. If Tampa Bay ever decides it needs a new voice, Tomlin would immediately become one of the biggest names available. And if he ended up back with the Buccaneers, keeping Mayfield would likely become one of his first priorities.

Steelers Need To Keep Their Eyes On The Baker Mayfield Situation

That's what makes this whole situation so interesting from Pittsburgh's point of view. The Steelers could have a real shot at landing Mayfield after Rodgers retires, but that opportunity could disappear if Tomlin ends up coaching in Tampa Bay. 

Instead of helping the Steelers find their next franchise quarterback, Tomlin could unintentionally keep Mayfield exactly where he is. It's a long shot today, but if it happens, Tomlin may end up making life a lot harder for his former team than anyone expected.

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