Mike Tomlin Reportedly Rejected Trade Offers, When Will Former Steelers HC Return to NFL?

Don't expect to see Mike Tomlin on an NFL sideline next season.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that Tomlin indicated he has no plans to coach in 2026 but could return in 2027. According to Rapoport, interested suitors had preliminary discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers about hiring the 53-year-old in what amounted to a trade:

The Steelers and Tomlin both needed a reset with the way this year unfolded. Pittsburgh won an AFC North title, but its 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round was emblematic of the franchise's general stagnation.

▶️ Full Texans-Steelers Recap

05:36

Tomlin's last postseason win was in 2016, and his offenses didn't finish better than 23rd in yards since 2018.

Because of his career resume, Tomlin presumably could've landed on his feet if he wanted to remain in the NFL coaching ranks. A lot of owners and general managers would love a coach who never posts a losing record.

Taking a step back is probably the best choice for Tomlin, though. He can recharge his batteries and survey the league landscape with a longer lens.

By the time the 2027 hiring cycle is here, the Super Bowl XLIII champion will be refreshed and perhaps bring some new ideas to the table.

As long as he's without a job, he's likely to cast a long shadow for the coaches on the hot seat. It's not often such a ready-made replacement is sitting at home unemployed, so Tomlin will be presented as an obvious alternative for whichever teams start slowly out of the gate.