Mike Tomlin’s 19-year run as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach is over.
The franchise announced Tuesday that Tomlin informed team ownership he is stepping down, barely 24 hours after a humiliating 30-6 wild-card loss to the Houston Texans.
At a Glance
- Tomlin departs with the longest streak of non-losing seasons (19) in NFL history
- His playoff slide reached seven straight defeats, all by double digits in the last five
- The Steelers become the ninth team hunting for a new head coach this offseason
- Why it matters: Pittsburgh must replace the only coach many fans have ever known while navigating a murky quarterback situation
During Tuesday’s exit meeting, Tomlin told Steelers president Art Rooney II of his decision. Rooney released a statement praising the coach who delivered Super Bowl XLIII and eight AFC North crowns.
“During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our head coach,” Rooney said. “Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years. It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin. He guided the franchise to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career. His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated.”
Historic Tenure Ends in Historic Fashion
Tomlin, hired in 2007, exits with a 193-114-2 regular-season record and an 8-12 postseason mark. The Steelers’ playoff misery under his watch intensified over the last decade:
- Seven consecutive playoff losses since the 2016 AFC Championship
- Five straight double-digit defeats, an NFL first
- Only two playoff victories since 2010
The 2024 campaign mirrored recent years. Pittsburgh needed a last-second Tyler Loop missed field goal to edge Baltimore 26-24 in Week 18, snatching the AFC North and the conference’s final wild card. Once in the tournament, the offense flopped against Houston, managing a single touchdown in a 30-6 drubbing.
Coaching Carousel Adds Another Seat
Tomlin’s resignation drops the Steelers into a crowded market. They now join eight franchises searching for leadership:
| Team | Reason for Vacancy |
|---|---|
| Ravens | Fired head coach |
| Browns | Fired head coach |
| Giants | Fired head coach |
| Titans | Fired head coach |
| Falcons | Fired head coach |
| Cardinals | Fired head coach |
| Raiders | Fired head coach |
| Dolphins | Fired head coach |
Pittsburgh’s stability had been the gold standard. The organization employed just three head coaches since 1969: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Tomlin. That lineage produced:
- Six Lombardi Trophies
- 24 division titles
- 30 playoff berths
Contract Twist Could Bring Compensation
Tomlin’s departure is complicated by two years remaining on his contract. The Steelers retain his coaching rights, positioning them to receive draft-pick compensation should he accept another NFL job.
No immediate word surfaced on Tomlin’s future plans. The 52-year-old coach has long been linked to broadcasting and could also field offers from quarterback-needy teams seeking an established leader.
Rooney closed his statement by thanking Tomlin for “the passion and dedication” he brought the franchise, adding that ownership “is forever grateful.”
Key Takeaways
- Tomlin’s 19-year non-losing streak is unprecedented in the salary-cap era
- Pittsburgh faces its first coaching search since 2007
- The Steelers’ playoff futility-seven straight losses-played a role in the timing
- A crowded hiring cycle could test the franchise’s patient approach
