Steelers Legend Mike Tomlin Gives Clear Response About Potential Return To Coaching In The Near Future

The Pittsburgh Steelers went through one of the biggest changes in franchise history after the 2025 season as former head coach Mike Tomlin decided to step down from his role after the team was eliminated from the playoffs by the Houston Texans. Tomlin coached the group for nearly 20 seasons, but the lack of recent playoff success tarnished his resume in Pittsburgh just a bit. Almost immediately after stepping down from his role as the head coach of the Steelers, Tomlin signed a deal with NBC to join the desk on Football Night In America before Sunday Night Football kicks off.

Tomlin has been great on television throughout the 2026 season, but he is finally going to be around his former team again on Sunday Night Football in Week 10. The Steelers will be traveling to Ohio to take on the Cincinnati Bengals, in what's a highly anticipated match as both teams enter the game with records of 6-2, and the winner of this matchup is going to be in first place in the AFC North. A win would especially be big for the Bengals as the rest of their schedule is considered the easiest in the NFL, which means a win against Pittsburgh can basically lock up the division for the Bengals, even though the season is only halfway over.

The former head coach spoke to the local media on Wednesday as he is going to be a part of the broadcast, and he was asked a bunch of questions about the current team in Pittsburgh, and of course what his future plans were when it comes to coaching. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reported that the coach said he has not given much thought to coaching again, but he is aware it is a possibility moving forward.

"I haven’t given one iota of thought to coaching," Tomlin said. "I’m sure some of that is going to come up in the not-so-distant future. But I’ll cross that bridge when I get there."

Tomlin gave an answer that was similar to the type of answer he would give when he took the podium as the head coach in Pittsburgh. He kind of side stepped the question but also left some mystery behind his intentions for the future. He said he hasn't thought about returning to coach again, but he didn't deny that it was something he would be open to doing.

The thought of Tomlin being on the sideline again is quite bizarre, especially if he isn't going to be wearing black and gold. There are some obvious thoughts about where he could go next, and it could be as early as next season based on his comments.

The New York Jets would be an obvious spot for the former head coach to land as Aaron Glenn is likely on his way out. Plus, New York's slew of high draft picks would be enticing for any potential head coach. Another interesting team would be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if Todd Bowles' squad can't turn things around to make the postseason. Another firing that could happen would be in Texas with the Dallas Cowboys, which would probably be an attractive destination for Tomlin.

Steelers' Fans Will Be Interested To Hear What Tomlin Has To Say In Week 10

Tomlin has spoken about the Steelers every week since the season began, but this is the first time that he will be in attendance and covering the game that his former team is playing in. He has said that he tries not to be biased, but he will certainly be leaning towards the Steelers over the Bengals. He won't be a very popular man in that stadium on Sunday night as the fans in Cincinnati probably don't like him very much, but everyone is anticipating his discussion surrounding the Steelers.

What do you think about Tomlin's comments on coaching in the future? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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