ESPN Source: Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Leaving Pittsburgh Is Still Absolutely On The Table

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to host the Houston Texans on Monday night at the end of the first round of the NFL Playoffs, and the fan base is very excited. It is the first time since the 2017 season that the franchise is able to host a postseason game in front of fans. This matchup could end the unfortunate streak in Pittsburgh of having not advanced in the playoffs in nearly a decade, or it could make that trend continue on. Either way, some sort of discussion during the 2026 offseason regarding Head Coach Mike Tomlin's future with the organization is expected.

Tomlin is finishing up his 19th season coaching in Pittsburgh, and that is a long time to coach anywhere. He hasn't had true postseason success since the 2016 season, and there have been questions about whether or not his message has gone stale in the locker room. The Steelers are still finding ways to win games, and that was evident as the group clinched the AFC North on Sunday night in Week 18. Despite the fact that Tomlin is currently preparing for a playoff game, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has heard that there is some speculation that Tomlin and the Steelers could part ways during the 2026 offseason.

"Mike Tomlin's future has been hotly debated of late," Fowler wrote. "There is no firm evidence as of now that Tomlin would leave Pittsburgh after 19 seasons. He's been fiercely loyal to Pittsburgh. But a source close to Tomlin believes stepping away is at least a possibility. Does he need a break? It's a question that hasn't quite gone away, though only Tomlin truly knows what he will do. The source believes Tomlin would be more intrigued by doing TV than returning to the coaching market, should he leave the Steelers. The source wonders what Tomlin has left to chase as an NFL coach."

Fowler's source suggests that the head coach might want to make the leap into the media side of things, which would mean some sort of broadcasting. This type of job is clearly less strenuous, and it would give the coach more free time. That is something he has not really had since taking over as the coach of the Steelers back in 2007.

It is good to know for fans that if Tomlin decided to walk away from the Steelers, he probably would not end up coaching somewhere else, but he would have nearly every broadcasting network in the world banging down his door. His weekly "Tomlinisms" have set him up for success when it comes to a media career once he is done coaching.

Pittsburgh does have to decide on Tomlin's future by March 1st during the 2026 offseason. The coach is under contract technically through the 2027 season, but that 2027 season is an option that must be picked up by the organization, and March 1st is the deadline to do so.

The option doesn't matter much if Tomlin decides he wants to walk away. The coach was pretty reflective and emotional after winning the AFC North on Sunday night, which could be a sign of what is to come.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Could Stick Around

Nothing is a sure thing when it comes to Tomlin's future, and how his team performs in the postseason could play a factor in that decision. No one truly knows what the coach wants to do besides him, and another source for ESPN believes he will stay with the Steelers.

"A separate source with ties to Tomlin is confident he will stay in Pittsburgh," Fowler wrote. "Either way, Aaron Rodgers and Tomlin can attempt a spirited run in the playoffs, and TV opportunities would await Tomlin if he does want to entertain them. My understanding is that networks have had open invitations for Tomlin if he ever left coaching."

The TV world could be enticing for Tomlin, especially if the money is good. It would theoretically be less money, but the coach often talks about his love for the game of football which could be what keeps him around Pittsburgh.

What do you think is going to happen with the future of Tomlin? Let us know in the comments below!

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