Mike Tomlin rumors include staying with Steelers, going to TV, requesting ownership stake

1 week ago 2

Mike Tomlin rumors include staying with Steelers, going to TV, requesting ownership stake originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Rumor are swirling surrounding the future of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin ahead of a winner-take-all Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Tomlin's future with the Steelers remains murky, and that will be especially true if the Steelers cough up the AFC North on Sunday night and fail to make the postseason.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Steelers will not fire Tomlin and the only way he doesn't return to the Steelers in 2026 is if he decides to step away, in which case Tomlin could move to a television gig.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Tomlin is more likely to stick with the Steelers for at least another season, although conversations about his future will still take place once Pittsburgh's season officially ends.

"Feeling from many he'll fulfill what he started. Feeling is he'll be back for at least another year, though there will be conversations will occur," Schefter reported.

Fellow NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports echoes Rapoport's sentiment about Tomlin possibly stepping away for a season and taking a TV gig, and more specifically a role with FOX.

Pauline adds that Tomlin could return following a season off, but he may request an ownership stake with whichever team he coaches in 2027.

Several told me they believe Tomlin could choose to take the season off in 2026 if the Steelers are knocked out of the playoffs by the Ravens on Sunday, then potentially return to coaching in 2027 if he receives the right offer. There was no speculation as to who Tomlin would coach in 2027 if, in fact, he sits on the sidelines next season, though I am told he would be looking for an ownership stake to return. If Tomlin chooses retirement, look for him to sign a contract with FOX as a game analyst in 2026.

So, there you have it.

Based on those rumors, just about anything and everything appears to be on the table for Tomlin once the 2025 season ends.