The NFL community is still trying to wrap its collective heads around the news that broke Tuesday: Mike Tomlin has stepped aside as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after a 30-6 loss in the AFC Wild Card Round to the Texans on Monday night. After a 19-year stint at the helm of the franchise, it’s hard to imagine what a future without the veteran head coach on the sidelines looks like for either party involved. Let’s take a look at what could come next for Mike Tomlin.
Where does Mike Tomlin go next?
TV
One attractive and lucrative job for Tomlin will likely be in television. NFL coaches are often welcomed aboard as analysts, and former Saints and current Broncos head coach Sean Payton has paved a model for the move from the sidelines to the studio and back to the sideline in quick succession.
Reports indicate Fox Sports is the favorite to land Tomlin if this occurs, with an opening left by Jimmy Johnson’s retirement. But Matt Ryan’s recent departure to take a job with the Falcons leaves a spot at CBS open as well. NBC and ESPN are also expected to have interest.
If Tomlin wants to pursue a career in television, Fox Sports, ESPN, NBC and CBS all will have interest, according to sources briefed on their thinking. Fox Sports has not replaced Jimmy Johnson on its NFL Sunday show, while ESPN is gearing up for its Super Bowl coverage next… https://t.co/9kwkQxbSNb
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) January 13, 2026
A New Head Coaching Job
Tomlin likely became an immediate favorite for other head coaching openings after the news went public, and nine NFL jobs are currently open, including the Steelers. Two different openings also exist within the AFC North, where Tomlin has been so successful, as the Browns and Ravens have fired their coaches this offseason.
Crucially, though, the Steelers currently have Tomlin under contract through the next season with an option for 2027 as well, meaning they own the rights to Tomlin. This muddies the possibility of Tomlin returning to the sidelines next season, as it will require the Steelers’ permission and likely some additional compensation. It could end up like Payton’s, where the Steelers trade his rights to another organization.
This is important: Mike Tomlin leaving the organization means the #Steelers will retain his rights. He was NOT fired.
It seems likely he’ll take a year off, possibly do TV, and then become a trade candidate next year, similar to Sean Payton when the #Saints held his rights and… https://t.co/Mq8wQYQr27pic.twitter.com/gpKVdjSKEI
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 13, 2026
Time Off Or Retirement
There have been plenty of rumors and reports of Tomlin “looking tired” this season, and the stress of the deteriorating situation in Pittsburgh has likely put him through the mental ringer. His decision, coming less than 24 hours after the end of the season, indicates he may know he needs a break, and soon. So Tomlin may take his first year off in nearly two decades. It’s not like he doesn’t have the money to do so. However, at this point, there have been no reports or indications from either Tomlin or any other parties suggesting the veteran coach plans to retire.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: What’s next for Mike Tomlin? Latest updates as Steelers HC steps down
