Mike Tomlin’s next chapter may already be taking shape, and if an NFL expert is to be believed, it likely won’t involve a headset on the sideline.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, he expects the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach to pivot toward television following his departure from the franchise, signaling a temporary step away from NFL coaching.
Schefter shared the update on Tuesday during an appearance on SportsCenter. He noted that Tomlin appears more inclined to explore media opportunities than immediately jump back into the coaching cycle.
“My sense is that he’s going to go into television,” Schefter stared, adding that Tomlin will have “any number of opportunities” waiting for him.
The news comes less than 24 hours after Pittsburgh’s season came to an abrupt end. The Steelers were overwhelmed 30-6 by the Houston Texans on Monday night in the wild card round, another early playoff exit that ultimately marked Tomlin’s final game with the franchise.
On Tuesday, Tomlin officially announced his decision to step away after 19 seasons as head coach, one of the longest and most stable tenures in modern NFL history.
Schefter explained that a TV role would allow Tomlin to stay connected to the game without the relentless demands of coaching, similar to the path Sean Payton took during his year away from the New Orleans Saints. Taking a full year off is also firmly in play.
Will Mike Tomlin Return to Coaching?
That doesn’t mean coaching opportunities won’t be there for Tomlin.
Schefter emphasized that Tomlin would be one of the most sought-after candidates in the league if he chose to return immediately.
“He could have a coaching job tomorrow if that’s what he wanted,” Schefter said, while adding that there’s no indication Tomlin wants that right now.
Tomlin first took over the Steelers in 2007 and quickly delivered results, winning a Super Bowl in his second season. He later guided Pittsburgh back to the big stage in Super Bowl XLV, though that appearance ended in a loss to the Green Bay Packers.
For now, all signs point to Tomlin taking time to reset after a demanding 19-year run that included consistent postseason appearances.
