Mike Tomlin is stepping down as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Tomlin told the team in a meeting Tuesday.
Tomlin has yet to address the media. But about an hour after Russini’s report, Tomlin released a statement through the team’s X account.
“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” the statement read.
“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 II 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 his journey so meaningful.”
Tomlin also thanked Steelers Nation in his statement.
The 53-year-old coach is stepping down after 19 seasons. He posted a 193-114-2 record and went 8-12 in the postseason. Tomlin won one Super Bowl and two AFC championships as well.
The Steelers ended their 2025 season with a 30-6 loss at home to the Houston Texans in the AFC wild card round.
Mike Tomlin Era Ends With Steelers
Russini was the first to report Tomlin’s departure. The Steelers confirmed what Tomlin later said in his statement — that he is leaving the franchise on his own accord.
“During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our head coach,” the statement read. “Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years.”
Tomlin leaves while tied with Chuck Noll in regular season wins. But Tomlin just is departing on a seven-game losing streak in the playoffs.
Noll lost just eight postseason games in 23 seasons, posting a 16-8 record. Noll also won all four of his Super Bowl appearances.
With Tomlin’s departure, the Steelers will have a new head coach for the first time since Tomlin arrived in 2007. Over the past 57 years, the Steelers have hired just three head coaches.
Since then (1969), the franchise leads the NFL in regular season wins and are tied with the most Super Bowl victories.
Could Tomlin, John Harbaugh Switch Jobs?
Ironically, Russini’s report of Tomlin stepping down came out during a press conference for Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti. The odd timing gave the Baltimore media an opportunity to put Bisciotti on the spot and ask if Tomlin will be a candidate for the Ravens.
Bisciotti reacted to Tomlin’s news in a joking manner. But he didn’t exactly shoot down the possibility of Tomlin coming to Baltimore.
“Holy [expletive],” Bisciotti reacted. “Wouldn’t that be awesome?!? Only if John [Harbaugh] takes the Pittsburgh job.”
With Tomlin’s departure, there are now three openings in the AFC North. Only the Cincinnati Bengals with Zac Taylor will bring back their head coach next season.
The Ravens and Cleveland Browns fired their head coaches, John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski, respectively, following the conclusion of the regular season.
Tomlin staying in the AFC North is highly unlikely because he remains under contract with the Steelers. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported any NFL team that wants to hire Tomlin will have to trade for him.
It’s hard to see the Ravens or Browns giving up high draft picks to the Steelers.
Mike Tomlin Breaks Silence on Steelers Departure