Tag: Mike Tomlin

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says timing right for new leadership

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the timing was right for both him and the organization when he stepped down after 19 seasons without a losing record.

Tomlin, who guided the Steelers to victory in Super Bowl XLIII in the 2008 season, told NBC on Sunday night in his first interview since resigning in January that the lack of postseason success — no playoff wins since 2016 — figured into what was a difficult decision.

“You know, it’s probably not an overnight decision,” said Tomlin, 54. “It’s probably not something that I could articulate or share with people. There’s a loneliness with leadership.

“I just thought it was a good time for me personally and by that, I mean, just where I am in life and I thought it was a good time for the organization, to be quite honest with you. We didn’t have success in the playoffs in recent years and there’s just some veteran players there, man, guys like Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt and (Chris) Boswell, man, that I thought that just were worthy of the excitement and the optimism of new leadership.”

Tomlin will join NBC as an NFL pregame show analyst on “Football Night in America,” the network officially announced on Sunday. The show airs ahead of “Sunday Night Football.”

“I just thought it would be a great way to stay connected to the game and the awesome people in it, players, coaches, executives,” Tomlin said, “and excited about doing that on Sunday night and traveling to different venues and getting that feel for the environment and lastly, I just thought it would be awesome to share insight with fellow football lovers.

“I love to talk football and so that’s just an exciting component for me. I got to admit, though, there’s going to be some anxiety about stepping into a new space, but good anxiety, it’s good to be uncomfortable with the growth associated with that. I’m fired up about it.”

The Steelers went 10-7 in 2025 with a 30-6 wild-card loss to the Houston Texans on Jan. 12. He was replaced by Pittsburgh native and veteran head coach Mike McCarthy in late January.

Tomlin guided the Steelers to the Super Bowl XLIII title with a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in February 2009. Pittsburgh lost Super Bowl XLV to quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, 31-25, in February 2011.

Tomlin posted a 193-114-2 record with Pittsburgh, tying him with Hall of Fame member Chuck Noll for the most regular-seasons win franchise history and ninth in NFL history. Noll also coached the Steelers (1969-91), with Bill Cowher (1992-2007) bridging the gap between Noll and Tomlin.

Rodgers, who played for McCarthy in Green Bay and with Tomlin last season, hasn’t announced his intentions for 2026 — return, retirement or something else. Tomlin predicted Rodgers, 42, will play his 22nd NFL season for the Steelers.

“Man, if you got a gun to my head, I’d say it’s AR,” Tomlin said. “I just think, Aaron, I just think being around him for the 12 months that I’m around him, he’s got a love affair with the game of football and not only the game, but the process, the informal moments, the development of younger guys, the interaction with teammates. I think he has an addiction to that, and there’s only one way to feed it. And certainly he is still capable and in really good shape. And so I think at the end of the day, he’ll play football.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Report: Mike Tomlin joining NBC as pregame analyst

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reportedly has landed a new job.

Tomlin, 54, will join NBC as an NFL pregame show analyst on “Football Night in America,” The Athletic reported Tuesday morning. The show airs ahead of “Sunday Night Football.”

He reportedly will take the spot of Pro Football Hall of Fame member Tony Dungy, who announced his departure from the show on March 12. Tomlin served as an assistant coach under Dungy in 2001 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Known for his witty phrases during his news conferences, Tomlin will return to football after stepping down as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons. That move came after the Steelers’ 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in an AFC wild-card game on Jan. 12.

Tomlin guided the Steelers to the Super Bowl XLIII title with a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Feb. 1, 2009. Two years later, the Steelers lost Super Bowl XLV to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, 31-25.

Tomlin posted a 193-114-2 record during his time with Pittsburgh, tying him with Hall of Fame member Chuck Noll for ninth place in regular-season wins. Noll also coached the Steelers (1969-91), with Bill Cowher (1992-2007) bridging the gap between Noll and Tomlin.

–Field Level Media

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Report: Mike Tomlin signs with agency ahead of potential media talks

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin is preparing for a second career in television, as the Steelers’ co-leader in all-time wins has signed a deal with sports media agents, per multiple reports.

Front Office Sports on Tuesday reported that the deal was with the Montag Group, where Sandy Montag and former sportscaster Alex Flanagan are expected to represent Tomlin in talks with any media suitors.

Tomlin, who turned 54 earlier this month, is expected to receive interest from multiple networks and streaming services this offseason. He stepped down as Steelers coach following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season after 19 seasons without a losing record.

The Super Bowl XLIII-winning coach posted a 193-114-2 record during his time with Pittsburgh, tying him with Hall of Famer Chuck Noll for ninth place in regular-season wins among all NFL coaches, equal atop the Steelers chart.

Tomlin’s Steelers went 10-7 in 2025 with a 30-6 wild-card loss to the Houston Texans on Jan. 12.

The Steelers replaced Tomlin with Mike McCarthy in late January, inking the Pittsburgh native despite his not coaching in the league in 2025. Previously, McCarthy compiled a 49-35 record in Dallas from 2020-24. He also went 125-77-2 with one Super Bowl title for Green Bay from 2006-18.

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy looks on during the first half against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Report: Steelers to hire Mike McCarthy as head coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to hire Mike McCarthy as their head coach, ESPN reported on Saturday.

McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, will become the Steelers’ fourth head coach since 1969.

He will take over the post previously held by Mike Tomlin, who coached the team from 2007-25 before stepping down earlier this month.

Tomlin followed Super Bowl winner Bill Cowher, who coached from 1992-2006. Cowher followed four-time Super Bowl champion Chuck Noll, who coached from 1969-91.

McCarthy, 62, did not coach in the NFL this season after compiling a 49-35 record — with three 12-win seasons — in Dallas from 2020-24. He went 125-77-2 with Green Bay from 2006-18 and led the Packers to victory against the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

McCarthy’s quarterback in Green Bay was Aaron Rodgers, who spent last season in Pittsburgh. Rodgers’ future is unclear, however.

McCarthy spent four years as an assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Panthers before beginning his NFL coaching career.

Tomlin stepped down on Jan. 13, one day after the Steelers dropped a 30-6 decision to the Houston Texans in the AFC wild-card game in Pittsburgh. The loss was Tomlin’s seventh straight postseason defeat.

–Field Level Media

Mike Tomlin steps down as Steelers head coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Mike Tomlin stepped down as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday after 19 seasons without a losing record.

The announcement comes one day after the Steelers dropped a 30-6 decision to the Houston Texans in the AFC wild-card game in Pittsburgh. The loss was his seventh straight postseason defeat.

The departure of Tomlin means the Steelers will be looking for only their fourth head coach since 1969.

It also represents the ninth NFL coaching change since the conclusion of the regular season.

Tomlin, 53, guided the Steelers to a Super Bowl XLIII title following the 2008 season with a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He posted a 193-114-2 record during his time with Pittsburgh, tying him with Hall of Famer Chuck Noll for ninth place in regular-season wins.

“During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our head coach. Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years,” Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement posted on X.

“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.”

Although Pittsburgh won the AFC North, Tomlin heard boos and derisive chants from the Steelers’ faithful at various times this season — and that included in the waning moments of Monday night’s game versus the Texans.

“When you don’t get it done, words are cheap,” Tomlin said after the game. “It’s about what you do or you don’t do. And so, I appreciate the question, but people talk too much in our business. You either do or you don’t.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Dino Tomlin (13) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

WR Dino Tomlin, son of Steelers coach, invited to Bucs’ rookie minicamp

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers invited wide receiver Dino Tomlin, an undrafted free agent out of Boston College, to rookie minicamp in May, according to multiple reports on Monday.

DIno Tomlin is the son of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

At 5-foot-11, 188 pounds, Dino Tomlin began his college career at Maryland, where he played 16 games from 2019-21. He caught three passes for 19 yards and mostly played on special teams.

He played in 35 games (five starts) in three seasons at Boston College (2022-24), totaling 37 receptions for 533 yards, a 13.8 average per catch and no scores. He played in 10 games (one start) as a graduate student in 2024 and made three catches for 40 yards.

–Field Level Media

Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches warm ups against the Kansas City Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Report: Steelers stiff-arm Bears’ pursuit of Mike Tomlin

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers rebuffed the Chicago Bears’ attempt to discuss a potential trade for longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, ESPN reported Saturday.

At least one other team also explored trying to acquire Tomlin, only to be informed that he has a no-trade clause in his contract, per the report.

Tomlin, 52, signed a three-year extension last June and confirmed earlier this week that he intends to be on the Steelers’ sideline for a 19th season in 2025.

“Save your time,” Tomlin said Tuesday when asked about reports that teams are kicking the tires on acquiring him this offseason.

Currently the NFL’s longest-tenured coach, Tomlin has compiled a 183-107-2 record since taking over in 2007. The Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII in his second season but haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 campaign.

Pittsburgh’s 2024 season ended with a five-game losing streak, capped by a 28-14 wild-card loss at rival Baltimore last weekend.

The Bears have cast a wide net in their search for a head coach, including an interview with interim coach Thomas Brown. Other names linked to the vacancy include former NFL head coaches Pete Carroll, Mike McCarthy, Ron Rivera and coordinators Aaron Glenn, Ben Johnson, Mike Kafka, Todd Monken, Drew Petzing and Anthony Weaver.

–Field Level Media

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) works out before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers WR George Pickens reveals Russell Wilson to start vs. Jets

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Mike Tomlin still hasn’t revealed a decision, but it appears the Pittsburgh Steelers are ready to give Russell Wilson his first start at quarterback Sunday night against the New York Jets.

Wide receiver George Pickens spoke with reporters Friday afternoon and was asked how he was doing working with Wilson, who missed the first part of the season with a calf injury.

“(We’re) getting on the same page after practice throwing — more than usual because, you know, this is his first start,” Pickens said Friday.

Tomlin, the Steelers’ longtime coach, has kept his quarterback plans close to the vest after Justin Fields led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start.

Wilson, who was active last week and served as Fields’ backup in a blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, was not listed on the injury report this week. Reporters found out from offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. that Wilson was taking at least some of the first-team reps.

Fields spoke to reporters Thursday and sounded like a man who believed he had lost the starting job.

“I don’t think I played good enough, if I’m being real with you,” Fields said. “If I’m being real with myself, I think if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question of) who should be playing, who should not.

“At the end of the day, (we) got a few wins. Of course, I’m glad about that, but there’s areas that I could be better at and I’m just going to continue to work on those and continue to get better.”

Fields and Wilson competed for the starting job in training camp, when the latter was bothered by a calf injury. Tomlin made Wilson the QB1 at the end of the preseason, but Wilson’s leg injury crept up before Week 1 and he was inactive for the first five games.

Wilson was a Super Bowl champion with Seattle and came to Pittsburgh on a one-year, veteran-minimum contract after two underwhelming seasons in Denver.

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) works out before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers coach: Russell Wilson to practice fully Wednesday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson will be a full participant in practice on Wednesday, coach Mike Tomlin announced.

Wilson has been inactive for the Steelers’ first five games of the season as he works his way back from a strained calf that he sustained in training camp.

“We’re in a little bit different place as I stand here today with Russ,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “Tomorrow will be the first Wednesday that he’ll be a scheduled full participant, we’ll see where that leads us. First, we’ll see if he’s, obviously, able to pull it off and get through the session. And if he does, what (does) the quality of that work look like? The ability to protect himself, etc. — some of the conversations that we’ve been having, but having more in a hypothetical way.

“He’s at the point of health now where we can work on a Wednesday without restrictions. And so, we’ll do so.”

Tomlin noted that quarterback Justin Fields will continue to take first-team practice snaps, however.

“(Wilson will) get reps with the second unit as to not disrupt Justin’s preparation,” Tomlin said. “And then we’ll see where all of that leads us as we push through the week.”

Wilson, 35, was named the starter following the final preseason game in August but was limited in practice before the Week 1 opener at Atlanta. His status did not change from there, with Fields leading the Steelers to three wins to open the season before the team dropped its last two games.

Pittsburgh (3-2) visits the Las Vegas Raiders (2-3) on Sunday.

A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Wilson last started a game on Christmas Eve before the Denver Broncos benched him for the final two 2023 regular-season games in a contract dispute that led to the former Super Bowl winner being released. He signed with the Steelers in March after also visiting the New York Giants.

Fields, 25, has completed a career-high 67.6 percent of his passes for 961 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in five starts. He has rushed for 172 yards and three scores.

–Field Level Media

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) throws a pass while under pressure from Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Coach: ‘No need’ to name Justin Fields Steelers’ long-term starter yet

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of five 3-0 teams in the NFL, but their quarterback situation remains up for discussion.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin indicated the team will “have a decision to make” when Russell Wilson recovers from a calf injury and becomes available for the first-string job again.

Justin Fields has helped Pittsburgh start undefeated, but close wins over the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers weren’t enough for him to get a long-term vote of confidence from Tomlin.

Asked Tuesday why he has yet to name Fields the team’s permanent starter, Tomlin replied, “Because there’s no need.” He said Fields will enter the building Wednesday with the mindset that he’s the starter — for Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts (1-2), anyway.

“Sometimes in this business, man, there’s a myriad of complex decisions that need to be made,” Tomlin said. “I’ve learned to make ‘em when it’s appropriate and it’s not necessary as we sit here right now. When Russ gets to an appropriate point of health and we have a decision to make, I’ll make it and I’ll announce it and I’ll be really transparent about it, but until then, I don’t care how many ways you guys ask me, I got no intentions of making the decision that’s unnecessary at this juncture.”

Fields has completed 73.3 percent of his passes this year for 518 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. He’s been sacked six times but also has rushed for 90 yards and a score.

Both Fields and Wilson were acquired by Pittsburgh in the offseason, the former in a trade with the Chicago Bears and the latter as a free agent on a one-year contract.

–Field Level Media