For nearly two decades, Mike Tomlin’s family watched him coach the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his first weekend since resigning as Steelers head coach, there’s a bit of role reversal in the Tomlin family.
The former Steelers head coach was spotted in the crowd in Athens, Georgia to watch his daughter, Harley, and the Georgia Bulldogs gymnastics team Friday night.
“He talked last year about leaning into obnoxious GYM dad at some point and now he’s got plenty of time to dive into it,” posted AP writer Will Graves on X.
Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora called it Tomlin’s first public appearance since stepping down as Steelers head coach. According to Kozora, the television cameras for SEC Network, which aired the collegiate gymnastics event, showed Tomlin during the broadcast.
Harley led team with a 9.825 score on the balance beam.
Former Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Ready for More Family Time?
Steelers team president Art Rooney II told reporters Wednesday that Tomlin leaving the team as head coach had more to do with personal reasons than football.
It’s only been a few days, but Tomlin’s actions since his exit have only confirmed that.
If Tomlin wished to coach again next season, he likely would have a similar market as John Harbaugh. Tomlin’s former rival, Harbaugh received inquiries from several teams and has already agreed to a mammoth contract with the New York Giants.
But since Wednesday, there’s been little talk about Tomlin coaching elsewhere in 2026. Instead, he appears to be fulfilling his desire to spend time with family.
Tomlin hasn’t spoken publicly about his Steelers exit. He informed Rooney of his decision to leave with still two years on his contract Tuesday morning. Tomlin then notified his players in a team meeting Tuesday afternoon.
The team announced his departure the same afternoon, which was a day after losing to the Houston Texans in the AFC wild card round.
Over 19 seasons, Tomlin posted a 193-114-2 record. He left on a seven-game postseason losing streak, but Tomlin experienced tremendous playoff success early in his tenure.
During his first four years, he led the Steelers to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one.
Tomlin Remains Under Contract With Steelers
If Tomlin does decide to pursue a new coaching opportunity, he can’t just join any organization as Harbaugh did.
The Baltimore Ravens fired Harbaugh while the Steelers fully expected Tomlin to at least return for 2026.
Any team interested in hiring Tomlin would have to acquire his rights from the Steelers. That could mean the Steelers gaining significant draft capital from another NFL organization.
The New Orleans Saints received a 2023 first-rounder and 2024 second-round choice from the Denver Broncos for Sean Payton and a 2024 third-rounder a couple years ago. Tomlin could yield similar draft compensation.
Tomlin’s contract with the Steelers expires after the 2027 season. So, even if he takes a year off, Pittsburgh will retain his rights the following season.
Tomlin and no one reporting on his exit used the word, “retirement.” The longtime Steelers coach is leaving the door open for a return.
But for now, Tomlin seems set on fulfilling the role of the “obnoxious gym dad.”
Mike Tomlin Makes First Public Appearance Since Steelers Exit: Report