Latest Mike Tomlin Rumors Compare Former Steelers HC to Sean Payton, Likely to 'Step Away' From NFL

Mike Tomlin could take some time away from the NFL after stepping down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

"The conversations around the league have been, if he steps away is it stepping away Sean Payton style—meaning you take a TV gig for a year and then you find a new place—or do you step away and hope that another team would trade for you," Russini reported on the Scoop City podcast. "The sense that I'm getting is stepping away to be away from football. Now this can be something that changes, but those that are close to him have shared that this is a time for Mike to just take a break from a really successful long career in Pittsburgh."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport also reported that Tomlin "will take a break" from coaching with his Steelers tenure coming to an end.

He's not expected to coach in the NFL in 2026, per ESPN's Joe Schad.

Tomlin was the longest-tenured active head coach prior to Tuesday's move, patrolling the sidelines in Pittsburgh since 2007. Tomlin owned a 193-114-2 record with the Steelers, helping them capture their sixth Super Bowl title during their 2008 campaign.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz noted that Pittsburgh still holds his rights since he voluntarily left the team, meaning that he could be traded to a new squad in the future if he decides that he wants to keep coaching.

A similar situation unfolded with Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton during the end of his time coaching the New Orleans Saints.

Payton served as coach of the Saints from 2013-21 before stepping down. He worked as an analyst for Fox Sports during the 2022 season until he eventually decided to return to coaching.

Since Payton was still under contract with New Orleans, the team traded him to the Broncos along with a third-round draft pick in Jan. 2023. The Saints received a first-round pick and a second-round selection in return.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Tomlin will likely draw interest from "multiple TV networks for a variety of possible roles" if he chooses to pursue a career change.

As for Pittsburgh, it'll begin the search for a new head coach after its 2025 campaign ended with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round of the playoffs on Monday night.