Mike Tomlin will begin an NFL season away from the Pittsburgh Steelers sideline for the first time in two decades. As he prepares for a new media role, Tomlin wouldn’t rule out a return to coaching.
After 19 years leading the Steelers, Tomlin will shift to broadcasting as an NBC analyst. The 54-year-old told new colleague Cris Collinsworth that he could consider coaching again.
However, he wouldn’t take an opening unless it’s the right fit.
“It’s certainly not a 32-team league for me, but I’ve also learned to never say never,” Tomlin said on Pro Football Focus’s NFL Show. “I love to coach. I love all the challenges of the profession. I love to be a part of growth and development of young people individually. I love the measurement of the seven-day cycle, but also have enjoyed, man, the last six months life on this other side that I had no idea about.”
Who would Tomlin like to coach?
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Tomlin’s track record would make him a desirable candidate if he seeks a head coaching job next offseason. He led the Steelers to 13 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title, never finishing a regular season worse than 8-8.
Jason La Canfora recently reported that New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is already looking into Tomlin as a possible 2027 hire. The insider floated the idea of the Jets landing Tomlin and former AFC North rival Lamar Jackson, claiming the duo has a “deep mutual respect.”
Yet Tomlin would rather coach another MVP quarterback. Tomlin told Jac Collinsworth that he’d most want to align with Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen.
“It’d be Josh for me,” Tomlin said. “It just seems like he’s at his best in the most critical moments. Late in the games, he finds a way to do it. And he can do it with his arms, he can do it with his legs. He looks like, not only does he want it, he needs it. He looks like he’s built for it. I got a lot of respect for that dude.”
The timing may not work out for Tomlin, as the Bills just promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to replace Sean McCermott as head coach. But that declaration could put more pressure on Brady knowing that Tomlin may be eyeing his job.
