Could Mike Tomlin Be Traded? What Steelers HC's Contract Reportedly Says amid Rumors

After a 4-1 start, the 6-6 Pittsburgh Steelers have lost five of seven heading into a pivotal road matchup with the arch-rival Baltimore Ravens, who are tied with them atop the AFC North.

There's been some talk on the status of long-time Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Fans called for his firing during a 26-7 home loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, and ex-Steelers stars Ben Roethlisberger and James Harrison even said it's time for the team and coach to part ways.

However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the team will not be firing him. In theory, the team could also part ways via a trade, but Schefter reported that Tomlin's contract includes a no-trade clause.

"Some have suggested the Steelers should explore trading Tomlin after this season, but that would not be possible without his permission," Schefter wrote. "Tomlin's contract includes a no-trade clause, giving him the ability to block any move the Steelers could make."

The 53-year-old Tomlin has been the Steelers' head coach since 2007. Pittsburgh has never had a losing season under his watch, going 189-113-2 with 12 playoff appearances. The Steelers have won one Super Bowl (2008) and two AFC titles (2008 and 2010) under Tomlin.

He's enjoyed great success in town, and it speaks volumes that the Steelers have been able to avoid losing records in a league that has plenty of year-to-year turnover.

On the flip side, the Steelers have also been stuck in neutral. Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and the Steelers have been hovering around or just over .500 over the last four-plus seasons.

This season's team features the same pattern, but with the way the year is going, it's possible Pittsburgh can finish under .500 for the first time since 2003.

As this moment, it appears Tomlin will be back in the mix in 2026. The bigger question is the 2027 campaign, per Schefter.

"The Pittsburgh Steelers are not going to fire coach Mike Tomlin, but they do have a significant decision to make early next year.

"After this season, Tomlin's contract will have two years remaining on it -- 2026 and a team option in 2027. But according to league sources, the Steelers must decide whether to pick up the option on Tomlin's contract by March 1.

"There will be organizational meetings and decisions that occur but not until after this season is complete, with a full body of work for all appropriate parties to review, sources said."

For now, the Steelers have a massive game at Baltimore on Sunday, with the winner holding sole possession of first (plus a head-to-head tiebreaker). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.