Mike Tomlin Keeps Door Open to NFL Return While Settling Into NBC Booth
Mike Tomlin Keeps Door Open to NFL Return While Settling Into NBC Booth
Mike Tomlin says coaching may still be in his future — just not on any timeline he’s willing to commit to. The former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, who stepped away after 19 seasons following the conclusion of last season, told NBC colleague Cris Collinsworth that a return to the sideline isn’t off the table.
“It’s certainly not a 32 team league for me,” Tomlin said, before adding that he’s “learned to never say never.” He pointed to his affection for the profession’s challenges, from developing young players to the weekly rhythm of game preparation, while acknowledging that his first six months outside the league have opened his eyes to a different way of life.
This season marks the first fall in more than two decades that Tomlin won’t be tied to an NFL franchise. Instead, he’s joining Comcast‘s NBC unit as part of the network’s “Sunday Night Football” coverage, one of the most prominent analyst roles in sports media. Comcast, whose shares traded at $26.15 recently, down about 1.65% on the day, counts NBC among its Media segment assets.
Tomlin’s resume ensures continued speculation about a comeback. His 19-year tenure in Pittsburgh included a Super Bowl title and no losing seasons, and interest in his services was strong when he departed. At 54, he would be a sought-after name for any opening that emerges, including potential in-season vacancies ahead of the 2027 season.
For now, though, Tomlin seems content outside the profession. He spent more than 25 years climbing the coaching ladder — from wide receivers coach at Virginia Military Institute in 1995, to Tampa Bay’s defensive backs coach by 2001, to the Steelers’ top job in 2007. His three children, all in their 20s, grew up entirely during that run, and he described his current family time as “life on this other side that I had no idea about.”
Whether that enjoyment holds once the season — and the coaching rumor mill — heats up remains an open question.
What to watch
- Any NFL coaching vacancies that develop during or after the 2026 season, and whether Tomlin’s name surfaces in candidate discussions.
- Tomlin’s on-air performance and role with NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” throughout the season.
- Future public comments from Tomlin clarifying his long-term intentions between media and coaching.
Source: original release