The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most stable organizations in the league, but they could undergo a major change in the coming weeks. Throughout the season, rumors emerged that Pittsburgh was considering parting ways with head coach Mike Tomlin. Now, following the Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills, those rumors are back and stronger than ever.
#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin walked off the podium as a reporter started asking about his contract situation.
There's been a ton of speculation around the league whether Tomlin would leave Pittsburgh.
Here's the video of the ending:pic.twitter.com/wjO1jL14xG
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 16, 2024
Mike Tomlin has one of the more interesting head coaching resumes in the game. On one hand, Tomlin has yet to have a losing season as a head coach, and he’s dealt with some weak rosters. The 2023 Steelers are a perfect example, as most coaches would not have been able to turn this unit into a playoff team. However, he has not led the team on a deep playoff run for quite some time. Pittsburgh hasn’t won a postseason contest since the 2016 season, and there is a case to be made that the organization could use a new voice.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently weighed in on the Mike Tomlin rumors and gave a surprising update. According to the NFL insider, the Steelers will not fire Tomlin, but Tomlin might be the one to break up this relationship.
“They’re not firing him,” Schefter said. “He’s staying on, but he’s staying on if he wants to. But if he decides that he’d like to walk, well, that’s a different subject.” Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer later confirmed this report, saying that “it will be his choice if he goes back to the Steelers or not.”
REPORT: Mike Tomlin Could Leave the Pittsburgh Steelers
Reading between the lines, it appears as though the Steelers are ok with the idea of Mike Tomlin coaching somewhere else. The head coach only has one more year left on his deal, and Pittsburgh has never let him get this close to free agency without an extension. Additionally, if the Steelers truly believed Tomlin should be their head coach indefinitely, then they’d certainly be fighting harder to keep him around.
Schefter’s report states that Mike Tomlin could take a year off, similar to what Sean Payton did not too long ago. However, he could also decide to jump ship and head over to a new team. As of this posting, there are seven head coaching vacancies, and another one or two could open in the coming days. Each team should have some level of interest in Mike Tomlin, but these five make the most sense.
5. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers need a lot of help at just about every offensive position. However, the defense is in good shape, and the team has a lot of money to spend in free agency. If Mike Tomlin wants a real fixer-upper and believes in the natural talent of Bryce Young, he might be interested in leading the Carolina Panthers rebuild.
4. Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks fired Pete Carroll primarily because he was getting a little too old for the job. The team has no issue with a defensive-minded head coach, and they’d probably love somebody with a proven record of getting the best out of his players. While Dan Quinn was reportedly their first choice for the job, that opinion might have changed following the Cowboys blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers. Mike Tomlin has a more impressive track record and could be a better fit for the job.
3. Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have the most cap space in the league, the second-overall pick, and a talented array of wide receivers. Despite their record, there’s a lot to like about this landing spot. Fixing the defense should be priority number 1, and Mike Tomlin has a long history of bringing out the best in his defenses. Granted, the Commanders do not have T.J. Watt, but it shouldn’t take long for Tomlin to turn this ship around.
2. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers appear to be locked in on Jim Harbaugh as their next head coaching hire, but if they can’t get him, then Mike Tomlin would be an ideal hire. Los Angeles wants an experienced head coach, and Tomlin has yet to post a losing season. Going from Kenny Pickett to Justin Herbert is a massive upgrade, and a good head coach like Tomlin should be able to guide this team on a deep playoff run.
1. Dallas Cowboys*
Technically this position isn’t open yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Mike McCarthy’s team once again disappointed in the playoffs, and it’s time for some new blood. Jerry Jones does not believe in small-time hires, and Mike Tomlin is one of the biggest names out there. Jones and Bill Belichick might clash, and Tomlin’s more passive nature could make him a better fit.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
