The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the subject of numerous rumors about their head coach leaving them. Mike Tomlin has led this team for 19 seasons, but the previous eight have all had the same result, and there is fear that 2025 will end in the exact same way. If that does happen, the idea is that he would want to go a different route and take on a different challenge, whether that's coaching a different team or going to television to be analyst or broadcaster. Options are on the table here for him.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Aditi Kinkhabwala was asked about these reports of Tomlin possibly moving on from the Steelers. She responded by talking about other executives that are hoping and praying that this scenario plays out.
"I know that there have been conversations involving [Mike Tomlin] with very, very high-level TV executives," Kinkhabwala said. "I'm not saying that that was anything exploratory on his end. There is a ton of interest in him in television."
From what she said, it seems like broadcasting companies would get into a bidding war with each other for the right to have Tomlin on a show, whether it's for analysis or commentating a live game. Of course, that all depends on if he decides to retire or take a break from football. Maybe he would want something new and fresh for 2026, and a year away from the game could reinvigorate him.
YouTube / Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin addresses the media prior to the 2025 season opener against the New York Jets.
Of the things that has made many people fall in love with Tomlin is how he speaks. Between his charisma, his motivating speeches, and his odd "Tomlinisms," it is rare that he is put on a microphone and his quote does not go viral. That was displayed for all to see on Hard Knocks at the end of the 2024 season, and it comes out in nearly every press conference and TV interview.
That is exactly why many companies want to offer him a blank check after the season ends. Tomlin recently claimed that he has not heard any of the rumors of him going to TV and he does not know why people are talking about it, but that could just be a misdirection to keep it from being a distraction for his team. He probably has numerous offers on the table, with each company hoping that he decides to sign it right after the postseason ends for Pittsburgh.
Tomlin being the color commentator for a game, especially one with the Steelers playing, would definitely draw a large number of viewers wanting to hear how he speaks when he does not have to try and hide things from anyone. He would most likely come up with new Tomlinisms live on the air, and those would be all over the internet almost immediately, similar to "I'm calling both games."
Would Steelers Urge Tomlin To Make Move To TV?
Of course, Owner Art Rooney II would likely not consider firing Tomlin, but the angry fans would be very loud and obnoxious if the Steelers have another catastrophic failure in the upcoming Wild Card Round. Maybe that would be enough for ownership to kindly nudge him in the direction of trying out TV for a year, as it may be the best decision for both parties.
AP Photo
Steelers Owner Art Rooney II (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) oversee practice during the 2021 minicamp in Pittsburgh.
Tomlin has done a lot for the Steelers, but constantly getting blown out in the first playoff game will wear down any fan base, especially one that expects Super Bowls like Steeler Nation.
What do you think about TV executives salivating at the idea of hiring Tomlin? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
#SteelerNation
