TV Network Mike Tomlin Plans To Leave Steelers For Revealed

There is a lot on the line for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. There are so many storylines surrounding the NFL's final contest of the 2025 campaign, and both Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh could be on the sidelines for their respective teams in 2026, or elsewhere. No one truly knows what either is thinking about in regards to the future, but it's certainly an interesting situation. There have been countless reports in recent weeks about what some insiders around the league are expecting from the two longest-tenured leaders in professional football.

Tomlin has been in the Steel City for 19 years and is under contract through the 2026 season. He has an option for the 2027 campaign that ownership will have to decide on, but the belief has always been that the Super Bowl-winning coach will be the one to walk away from the team rather than him getting fired or entering a lame duck situation.

If Pittsburgh hosts a home playoff game for the first time since 2020, it's possible that all of this talk and fan frustration settles. Tony Pauline is a well-connected NFL insider and reported on Sunday morning that there have been murmurs in the Steelers' building for a while that Tomlin could decide to take a break from the sideline very soon.

"Before the season, people in the building told me they expected 2025 to be the final year for both Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers, speculation now fueled by Rodgers himself recently stating he’ll ponder retirement after the season," Pauline wrote.

Regardless, there has always been a widespread belief that Tomlin would like to pursue some kind of post-coaching career in broadcasting. Pauline noted that there is a specific network that fans could find Tomlin on as soon as 2026.

"If Tomlin chooses retirement, look for him to sign a contract with FOX as a game analyst in 2026," Pauline reported.

The top crew for Fox features Tom Brady and the second-in-line has a very respected former player in Greg Olsen. There is always a possibility that one of the duos could add Tomlin on, but no one should expect him to accept a role announcing meaningless football games. It would be very interesting to see which play-by-play announcer he would get paired up with.

There is no doubt that the Steelers hit a home run when hiring Tomlin. He was not too well-known back in 2007 when he interviewed and got the job, but he went on to win a championship. It's unfortunate that the franchise has gone nearly a decade without a playoff victory, because that is what he will be remembered for rather than having an incredibly successful career in Pittsburgh.

Pauline also noted that Tomlin could take a year off in 2026, and then return after one season on television, but the report was baffling when it was noted that Tomlin could want partial ownership in whatever organization he were to join.

"There was no speculation as to who Tomlin would coach in 2027 if, in fact, he sits on the sidelines next season, though I am told he would be looking for an ownership stake to return," Pauline wrote.

That won't be occurring in the Steel City, but it speaks to what Tomlin feels his worth is. That would be a big step for a franchise to offer its head coach a piece of the pie at the highest level.

Steelers Have To Hope Tomlin Makes Decision Quickly

If Pittsburgh does not compete in a postseason matchup, Tomlin taking his time deciding on his future could lead to the front office being way behind when it comes to a very important search. The organization has only had three head coaches since 1969, and if an opening became available, it would immediately because the NFL's most attractive.

Do you think that the Steelers and Tomlin are headed for divorce? Let us know in the comments below!

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