Steelers Now
NFL insider Josina Anderson reported in November that there was a longtime NFL head coach that was contemplating a “change of scenery.” Anderson confirmed on Tuesday that the coach was indeed Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin informed the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday afternoon that he is stepping down as head coach after 19 season with the team.
Anderson reports that Tomlin has been thinking about leaving the Steelers for a while.
“The facts of the matter are: League sources heard that Mike Tomlin was contemplating leaving Pittsburgh even before the season started,” Anderson wrote on X. “Adding, there’s been a belief that Tomlin did not feel appreciated with contingents around the city believing he should fired. I would say this has been building gradually for the last 3 years, the source opined.”
“Fire Tomlin” chants at Acrisure Stadium broke out during the team’s Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The chant reappeared during Monday night’s 30-6 playoff loss to the Houston Texans, but it wasn’t as blaring.
The fanbase, to the say the least, is fed up with the lack of playoff success. The franchise has not won a playoff game since Jan. 15, 2017, marking the longest playoff win drought for the organization since pre-1972.
Tomlin’s seven straight playoff losses are tied with former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis for the most in NFL history.
It appears things just got stale for Tomlin in Pittsburgh. And now he’s embarking on a new chapter.
More Context: I tweeted that there was a "longtime NFL head coach" that was contemplating a "change of scenery," back in November. That head coach was Mike Tomlin, as I have since indicated many times recently.
The facts of the matter are: League sources heard that Mike Tomlin… https://t.co/y9gb5mzcQJ pic.twitter.com/xOxpFJHmoB
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 13, 2026
Tomlin, in a statement released by the team, did not explain his decision to step away from the club after 19 seasons, but the 53-year-old took time to thank Steelers president Art Rooney II, his father the late Dan Rooney and Steelers fanbase.
“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Tomlin wrote.
“This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team. I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney Il and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.
“I want to also thank Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special.
“Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team.
“While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I...
