Ex-Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Made Revealing Comments To Art Rooney II About Whether He May Or May Not Coach Next

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 offseason was filled with questions and storylines. Many were curious whether it would be Aaron Rodgers’ final year in the NFL, but few truly believed it might be Mike Tomlin’s last season on the sideline. That changed quickly. Less than 24 hours after the Steelers were eliminated in a home playoff loss to the Houston Texans by 24 points, Tomlin called a team meeting and informed his players that he would be stepping away from coaching at the age of 53.

Tomlin’s departure closes the book on one of the most remarkable coaching tenures in modern NFL history. He spent 19 seasons at the helm in Pittsburgh and remarkably never endured a single losing season, a standard of consistency that places him among the league’s elite. While that achievement is undeniably impressive, it also exists alongside growing frustration within the fan base over the team’s lack of recent playoff success, a reality that has fueled debate about the legacy of his final years.

Steelers Team President Art Rooney II addressed the media on Wednesday, expressing sadness over Tomlin’s decision while also praising his impact on the organization. During his remarks, Rooney revealed that Tomlin had been candid with him about the future and said he may never coach again. If that proves true, it would mark the end of an era defined by stability, leadership, and high expectations that will leave a lasting imprint on the franchise and the city of Pittsburgh.

"You know, Mike did indicate that he did not anticipate coaching at least in the near future," Rooney said while speaking to the media on Wednesday. "I think he wants to spend time with his family and do some of the kinds of things that he hasn't been able to do for the last many, many years."

Rooney was careful with his words and made it clear that he did not want to speak for Tomlin. However, he did share some insight into their conversation, and it appears that Tomlin, at least for an extended period of time, does not plan to coach in the NFL anytime soon. Of course, anything can change.

Rooney was also asked about the fact that Tomlin resigned voluntarily and was not fired. Because of that, the Steelers retain his coaching rights and would be entitled to compensation if he chose to coach for another NFL team before his contract expires after the 2027 season. Those rights could be traded if another team were interested. That only becomes relevant if Tomlin returns within that time frame, and based on what Rooney articulated on Wednesday, that does not appear likely.

"If something like that does come up we will deal with it when it comes up," Rooney said. "Right now, that does not seem to be on his radar." 

It is a new day for Steeler Nation, one with uncertainty, but opportunity. Many fans hoped for change, yet few knew how it would arrive. Now the franchise turns the page and moves forward.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Walks Away With A Complex Legacy

The idea of Tomlin being fired once felt far fetched, even unthinkable to many. Him choosing to walk away on his own terms always seemed more realistic. That possibility became reality, and it changed everything.

Tomlin exits as an AFC North champion, but also under the weight of a blowout playoff loss. The drought remains. The Steelers have not won a postseason game since the 2016 season, a truth that defines urgency. Now Steelers fans will be eager to find out who the head coach of their team will be in the 2026 season.

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