Steelers Owner Discusses How Aaron Rodgers' Future Could Be Impacted by Mike Tomlin Exit

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II isn't optimistic about the odds of a reunion with quarterback Aaron Rodgers following Mike Tomlin's exit.

The team announced Tuesday that Tomlin stepped down as head coach after 19 seasons.

On the topic of Rodgers, Rooney told reporters that Tomlin was a big factor in landing the four-time MVP. Should he choose to play another season, Pittsburgh could be out of the running:

Rodgers' 2026 status remains unclear, and it could be a while before he makes up his mind if the last few offseasons are any indication.

The 42-year-old might feel he has something left in the tank. He threw for 3,22 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions while making 16 starts on a division champion.

The Steelers' 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round could also influence Rodgers' decision, though. He went 17-of-33 for 146 yards and one interception while fumbling twice and getting sacked four times.

▶️ Full Texans-Steelers Recap

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Against Houston, the surefire Hall of Famer looked like an aging quarterback who's way past his best. By playing another season, those kinds of performances could become more common.

Should Rodgers give it another go, re-signing with the Steelers may not make a lot of sense.

Pittsburgh hasn't had a true rebuild for a long time. The team famously didn't post a losing record under Tomlin, and 6-10 was its worst finish under Bill Cowher.

Having not won a playoff game since 2016 and with a coaching change coming, this might be the period for ownership to implement a long-term vision that requires taking a step back next year.

At the very least, the Steelers aren't going to enjoy sustained success until they find a more permanent solution at quarterback. They can't keep cycling through veteran stopgaps like Rodgers and Wilson.

Tomlin's departure allows for Pittsburgh to wipe the slate clean in more ways than one.