New Mike Tomlin Rumors on NFL Interest After Steelers Exit, Latest on HC's Plans for 2026

Former Pittsburgh Steelers leader Mike Tomlin isn't expected to coach in the NFL next season despite interest from multiple other teams, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday.

According to Rapoport, teams "contacted Tomlin to express their interest" within hours of him announcing he would be stepping down following his 19th season in Pittsburgh.

"That said, teams were told Tomlin does not plan to coach next year," Rapoport wrote.

The Steelers have Tomlin signed through the 2026 season. The franchise would be owed draft compensation if he coaches elsewhere next fall, per Rapoport.

Tomlin announced his decision to step down Tuesday, the day after the Steelers extended their playoff win drought to nine seasons with a 30-6 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans.

The former head coach did not address his future plans in his statement, in which he said he was "excited for what the future holds for this organization."

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Jan. 7, prior to the Steelers' playoff elimination, that there was a "possibility" both of Tomlin stepping away and considering a career in media as his next step.

"The source believes Tomlin would be more intrigued by doing TV than returning to the coaching market, should he leave the Steelers," Fowler wrote.

Fowler added, "My understanding is that networks have had open invitations for Tomlin if he ever left coaching."

The Athletic's Andrew Marchand wrote after Tomlin stepped down that the former Steelers head coach "has been eyed by broadcasters for a decade."

According to Marchand, Fox "is considered the favorite" to bring Tomlin on for their Fox NFL Sunday show alongside Michael Strahan, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Rob Gronkowski should he ultimately seek a media career.

Tomlin was making $17 million a year with the Steelers. Although top game analysts like ESPN's Troy Aikman and CBS' Tony Romo are making $18 million annually in their job, Tomlin would likely make significantly less as a weekly studio analyst, Front Office Sports' Michael McCarthy.

The Steelers could potentially gain compensation even if Tomlin waits until 2027 to make a return to the NFL. The franchise has until March 1 to activate an option that would keep him under contract for the next two seasons, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor.