Behind the Steel Curtain
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot on the line when they face the Baltimore Ravens to close out the 2025 regular season. With a win, they are in the postseason as AFC North champions. A loss knocks them out of the playoffs, and could start a chain of events that lead to Pittsburgh having a new head coach for the first time since 2007.
Many have speculated that Mike Tomlin and the Steelers could part ways in the offseason, with names like Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula and Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman having both been linked to the Steelers. While nothing is known for certain as of right now, Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports believes Tomlin could step down as the Steelers’ head coach and do TV for a year before returning to a sideline in 2027. However, he also notes that Tomlin would want an ownership stake in whatever 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,” Pauline writes. “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.”
This would be a route similar to Sean Payton, who stepped down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints after the 2021 season, went to Fox for a year, and then took the Denver Broncos head coaching job in 2023. Now, whether or not a team would even consider giving Tomlin an ownership stake is a completely different conversation, but if he would take the year off, he would be a top name to monitor during the 2027 cycle.
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