The Truth Emerges About Mike Tomlin's Job Security As People Within The Steelers' Building Have Been Outspoken

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been trending downward for well over a month now as the team has a record of 6-6, but is just 2-5 in its last seven games. The franchise was positioned to have a good season to start the year as the rest of the AFC North was struggling, but the Steelers have come back down to earth and they are currently just behind the Baltimore Ravens in the division. The remaining matchups in the 2025 season between the two franchises are going to be critical when it comes to deciding the winner of the AFC North, but many within the fan base in Pittsburgh do not have much faith in Head Coach Mike Tomlin.

After Pittsburgh's most recent loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 13 where the Steelers were completely embarrassed on their home field, it is clear that this could be the head coach's final season in the Steel City. The fans in attendance at the game made it known that they did not want to see the coach return in 2026, even though that is probably what will end up happening. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports wrote about Tomlin's future in Pittsburgh on Friday, and many fans in Pittsburgh won't like what he had to say.

"Externally, many feel like the seat has to be hot on Tomlin. But sources say that is not the case internally. 'He doesn't pay attention to it. It's been this way since he got [to Pittsburgh],' said a source. 'He remains focused on winning and doesn't let the noise affect him.' A Steelers head coach hasn't been fired since 1941, and all indications are it won't be happening at the end of this season either. As it stands today, there's a good likelihood Tomlin is back coaching the Steelers in 2026."

Jones spoke with sources inside the building in Pittsburgh, and it was made clear to him that the outside noise is not affecting the team or the coaching staff. This could be considered good news for the rest of the 2025 season, but it isn't necessarily for the future. Many argue that it would be best for the coach and the organization to go in separate directions, but according to Jones, that isn't going to happen in 2026.

Jones spoke with other sources around the league, and he was made aware of two ways that Tomlin is not the Pittsburgh coach in 2026. One way would be a trade, but that is going to be difficult to pull off as Tomlin has a no-trade clause in his contract. This would mean it would be a mutual parting of ways, with another team agreeing to a deal to acquire the coach in exchange for some quality draft capital, likely a first-round pick. The other option league sources mentioned to Jones was a mutual parting of ways with no additional transaction (like a trade).

Steelers Unlikely To Fire Mike Tomlin

Tomlin signed a contract extension in 2024 that ties him to the organization through the 2027 season. This makes firing him a little tricky, as Pittsburgh would still have to pay out that contract during those years if he is fired. Pittsburgh is known as a frugal organization, so firing coaches and then paying them not to coach is not really the organization's style. A mutual parting of ways implies some sort of buyout on Tomlin's deal, which would help the franchise some when it comes to the financial burden of his existing contract.

Unless a trade partner presents itself and Tomlin shows a desire to take his talents elsewhere, it seems unlikely that he is not back in the same spot a year from now. Firing the coach is a long shot, and a mutual parting of ways would only work if Tomlin wants to be done coaching in Pittsburgh.

What do you think about the Steelers keeping Tomlin in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!

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