The 2026 season hasn't started yet, but Mike Tomlin's coaching future is already a hot topic in NFL circles.
Tomlin had a phenomenal run with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007-2025, owning a 193-114-2 record with a Super Bowl title and 13 playoff appearances. Although he didn't always have the best quarterback situation, he never finished the regular season with a sub-.500 record.
During this Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, NBC had Tomlin in the booth to discuss the next chapter of his career. He'll be part of the "Football Night in America" for the 2026 season.
When asked if he'll get the itch to coach again, Tomlin gave a pretty honest answer.
“I haven’t thought a whole lot about it yet, because I don’t feel like I’m missing anything yet,” Tomlin told Cris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico. “You know, when those regular-season balls start snapping, that’s when I’ll start, you know, getting a little twitch a little bit.”
© Barry Reeger-Imagn Images.
If Tomlin wants to coach again, he'll definitely have suitors.
What was the biggest issue for Tomlin during the back half of his time in Pittsburgh? Their quarterback situation. What team has a superstar quarterback but lacks a competent defense? The Cincinnati Bengals.
While we're not sure if Tomlin is interested in facing the Steelers twice a year, the Bengals would be an excellent fit for him. After all, they've got a real game-changer in Joe Burrow.
In the event Tomlin wants a bigger challenge, the New York Jets can't be ignored due to their lack of playoff appearances over the past two decades. They'd love nothing more than to hire a proven winner like Tomlin. And let's be honest, fixing the current state of the Jets would be just as impressive as winning a Super Bowl.
We also can't rule out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For starters, Tomlin won a Super Bowl with the franchise as their defensive backs coach. He held that position from 2001-2005. If they move on from Todd Bowles in the offseason, Tomlin would make a lot of sense.
