Football
Will Mike Tomlin ever coach again in the NFL?
Former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin shocked the football world yesterday by announcing he was stepping down, but for how long? Still relatively young, he can certainly return to coaching, as many have in the past. Now, Bill Cowher didn’t, and he also “retired” of his own volition at an even younger age than Tomlin.
Although Tomlin offered a written public statement, we have not heard anything about his future plans and whether they include coaching or even football at all. He seems likely to be able to write his own ticket for a network gig, if he so chooses. In the past, he has expressed an indifference, if not an aversion, to that. But money has a way of changing people’s feelings—even millionaires.
Mike Tomlin served as the Steelers’ head coach for a full 19 seasons, leading the team to 13 playoff appearances, two Super Bowls, and one championship. Before arriving in Pittsburgh, he had coached in the NFL for six seasons. He has been coaching since 1995, the year after he graduated from college.
After over 30 years in coaching, beginning at such a relatively young age, it’s understandable if Tomlin wants to step away from that life. Especially after nearly a decade of futility and the immense public scrutiny that comes with it, it can wear on the best of us.
But will Mike Tomlin find himself recharged a year or two from now and wish to resume his coaching career? It worked for Sean Payton and others. He probably felt stuck with the Steelers, perpetually merely average with few tools to improve. Always good enough to make the playoffs, but not enough to win.
The Steelers, of course, will move on, undoubtedly already taking steps to begin their coaching search. Mike Tomlin etched his name in not just Steelers history but football and coaching history. We can debate his Hall of Fame credentials, but he is certainly in the conversation.
The question is, does Tomlin yet intend to add to his coaching resume? Whenever he spoke of coaching, he did so passionately as a calling to leadership. It was, for three decades, his life’s work. I’m sure he feels he still has plenty more to give. But everybody needs a break. Is that all this is?
The Steelers are out of the playoffs, exiting in the first round yet again, a pattern going back to 2017. With seven consecutive postseason losses, and none in nearly a decade, they are facing another long, long offseason. No doubt we will see many changes, but one, most likely, won’t be a Mike Tomlin firing.
The playoffs are still going, but for us and the Steelers, we are transitioning to offseason mode. That’s what happens when the team you cover loses by the middle of January all the time, but you’ve been around, so you know that already. Enjoy the ride, even the turbulence, because it’s the only way we know how to travel anymore.
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