An era has ended in Pittsburgh.
Head coach Mike Tomlin informed the Steelers that he plans to step away from coaching after 19 years in the Steel City, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday, per sources informed of the situation.
The team later confirmed the news.
"After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers," Tomlin said in a statement on Tuesday. "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 II 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."
Tomlin spent 19 seasons with the Steelers, compiling a 193-114-2 regular-season record and 8-12 mark in the playoffs. The 53-year-old never had a losing season, going 8-8 three times in nearly two decades on the job as his lowest dip. Only Hall of Famer Tom Landry has a longer streak (21 seasons), and no other coach has had a longer run to begin a head coaching career. Tomlin's 193 wins are tied for the ninth-most in NFL history.
"During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our Head Coach," team president Art Rooney II said in a statement. "Obviously, I 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."
After one season as Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator in 2006, Tomlin was tapped to replace Bill Cowher in 2007. He helped the Steelers capture their second Super Bowl in four seasons in 2008, just his second year on the job. Two years later, Pittsburgh made a second Super Bowl under Tomlin but fell to Green Bay.
In Tomlin's first 10 seasons, the Steelers made the playoffs seven times, including their win in Super Bowl XLIII, going 8-6 in the postseason over that span. However, things have gone sideways.
Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 campaign, going one-and-done in its past six postseason appearances, including Monday night's blowout loss to the Houston Texans. The team's seven-game postseason losing streak is the longest active playoff streak and the fourth-longest in playoff history.
With fan unrest due to years of being good, but not great, things came to a boil in 2025, with home patrons chanting for his removal during rough patches this season. The Steelers turned things around down the stretch and clinched the AFC North in Week 18 for their third straight postseason appearance, but Monday night's showing underscored that the franchise needed a reset.
What's next for Tomlin?
Tomlin will likely land a TV gig quickly. He'll be a sought-after broadcaster, with seemingly every network in the mix to hire the Super Bowl-winning coach.
As of Wednesday, teams have already contacted Tomlin to express their interest in him but were told the ex-Steelers coach does not plan to coach in 2026, Rapoport reported.
The question is how long he might be away from the sideline. He could take the Sean Payton route, spending a year on the tube before leaping back to the sideline. There is zero doubt that numerous franchises could use Tomlin's stabilizing personality and leadership.
The plan could be to follow the Payton route, but there is always the possibility that after decades of living his life as a coach, he might enjoy more time away from the 365-day grind.
What's next for Steelers?
Pittsburgh now becomes a coveted opening.
The roster might need a reset, with questions at quarterback, an aging defense, and a lack of weapons. However, the ownership's steadfastness makes Pittsburgh a good gig for any coach.
The Rooney family will be hiring just its fourth head coach since 1969. Pittsburgh handed the baton from Chuck Noll (1969-1991) to Cowher (1992-2006) to Tomlin (2007-2025). That kind of stability is unheard of, particularly in the modern era.
The expectations are always high in Pittsburgh, but the next coach is likely to have a longer leash than some landing spots.
Tomlin and John Harbaugh's departure from Baltimore -- in addition to Kevin Stefanski's firing in Cleveland -- this offseason completely reshape the AFC North heading into the 2026 offseason.
What's the outlook for Pittsburgh's roster in 2026?
The next coach won't be devoid of talent. From T.J. Watt to Cameron Heyward, to Alex Highsmith, to Joey Porter Jr., to a stellar, growing offensive line, to a solid RB duo of Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell to DK Metcalf, there are pieces in place for the next hire.
However, there are also big questions, starting under center.
It's possible that Tomlin's decision makes Aaron Rodgers' choice to retire or return easier -- if he, in fact, hadn't already made his choice. Rodgers has spoken glowingly of his one year under Tomlin. How will he feel about the next coach? How would the new coach feel about a 42-year-old QB returning for another go? If not Rodgers, who? The veteran pool is filled with question marks, and with the Steelers holding the No. 21 overall pick in the first round, they could be squeezed out of a top-shelf rookie candidate.
That quarterback will also need more weapons after the trove of veterans brought in around Rodgers didn't work out. As it has for several years, the Steelers still need a No. 2 WR threat.
Pittsburgh also must get younger on defense, where many of its key contributors were in their 30s, including Heyward, Watt, Jalen Ramsey and Chuck Clark.
An era has ended in Pittsburgh. A new one begins.
