The NFL world was caught completely off guard on Tuesday when longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced he was stepping down after 19 seasons with the organization.
Pittsburgh is coming off a third consecutive 10–7 season and never recorded a losing season under Tomlin—an unprecedented accomplishment. However, the Steelers’ last seven postseason appearances have all ended in first-round defeats.
Reacting to the news just hours after it became public was Colorado Buffaloes head coach and NFL legend Deion Sanders, who shared a four-word message on social media.
“WOW! Mike Tomlin, WOW!” Sanders posted.
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Tomlin is widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. Over his tenure with the Steelers, he reached two Super Bowls—winning one—while compiling a record of 193-114-2.
He won the AFC North eight times, including this past season, made three AFC Championship Game appearances, and was named AP Coach of the Year in 2008.
“Thank you, Coach Tomlin, for the hard work, dedication, and success you brought to the Steelers over the last 19 years,” the team wrote in a message thanking their former head coach.
It remains unclear whether Tomlin will immediately return to coaching, but there is an important stipulation if he chooses that route. Any team that hires him would need to do so via a trade, requiring compensation to be sent to the Steelers.
Tomlin could also step away from coaching and explore a move into television, similar to paths taken by former coaches such as Sean Payton and Bill Belichick, both of whom eventually returned to the sidelines.
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