Tomlin steps down as Steelers coach after 19 seasons

Mike Tomlin informed the Pittsburgh Steelers that he's stepping down as head coach, the team announced Tuesday.

"Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication, and success we have shared over the last 19 years," team president Art Rooney II said in a statement. "It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin."

Tomlin has been Pittsburgh's head coach since 2007. His decision follows the Steelers' 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round Monday.

The 53-year-old declined to answer questions about his future with the club after the game. Monday's defeat marked the third straight year that Pittsburgh finished with a 10-7 record but was one-and-done in the postseason, being outscored 131-58 in those losses. The Steelers and Tomlin haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 season.

Tomlin leaves the Steelers with two years remaining on his deal after signing an extension in 2024. Because he is under contract, Pittsburgh retains his coaching rights through the 2027 campaign. The team could negotiate trade compensation if he wants to return to coaching before his extension expires.

The belief around the league is that Tomlin will spend at least one year working in media before deciding his next move, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Tomlin ends his tenure with the Steelers boasting a 193-114-2 regular-season record, tying him for the ninth-most wins among all head coaches in NFL history. He never experienced a losing season in his 19 years with the club, with his worst record being 8-8. He won Super Bowl XLIII in just his second campaign in Pittsburgh and returned to the big game just two years later, but ultimately lost to the Green Bay Packers.

Tomlin never returned to the Super Bowl after that defeat. He holds an 8-12 postseason record, including a 3-10 stint over the last 15 years. Pittsburgh made the playoffs in 2025 after Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal as time expired in Week 18.

Quarterback instability has been the Steelers' biggest problem in recent seasons, using five different Week 1 starters since Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2021. Aaron Rodgers became Pittsburgh's starting signal-caller this season after signing a one-year deal in the offseason. The 42-year-old led the Steelers to an AFC North title but turned the ball over twice Monday night, and the offense failed to score a touchdown.

Pittsburgh now becomes the ninth team with a head coaching opening this cycle. John Harbaugh, who faced Tomlin 44 times during his tenure as the Ravens' head coach, was fired last week after an 18-year run. With the Cleveland Browns also moving on from Kevin Stefanski, Cincinnati Bengals' Zac Taylor is the only current head coach in the AFC North.

The Steelers have had just three head coaches since 1969: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Tomlin.