Steelers owner: Mike Tomlin not expected to coach in the near future

Art Rooney II said Mike Tomlin told him he is stepping down after 19 seasons and does not expect to coach "in the near future." The Steelers retain Tomlin's 2026 contract rights and will begin a search for a new head coach.

Mike Tomlin informed Steelers president and owner Art Rooney II that he is stepping down after 19 seasons as Pittsburgh's head coach. Rooney said he had been willing to continue into 2026, but that Tomlin made the decision and indicated he did not anticipate coaching in the near future and wanted time with family. The team retains Tomlin's contract for 2026 and has an option window for 2027. Rooney said the organization will begin a head-coach search immediately with general manager Omar Khan taking a lead role. Known details: - Tomlin's record with the Steelers is 193-114-2, including two Super Bowl appearances and one championship, and he never had a losing season during his tenure. - Rooney said Tomlin told him the decision was his and that he does not expect to coach "in the near future," and Rooney declined to discuss contract specifics or an immediate trade. - Pittsburgh still holds Tomlin's rights for 2026 and has until March 1 to exercise an option for 2027; recent precedent suggests compensation would be involved if Tomlin returned to coaching elsewhere while under contract. - Rooney said the departure will affect multiple levels of the organization, including the coaching staff and the quarterback situation, and he noted Aaron Rodgers came to Pittsburgh to play for Tomlin. - Rooney and Omar Khan have requested interviews with several candidates, including Nate Scheelhaase, Chris Shula, Anthony Weaver and Brian Flores, and said they will reach out to additional candidates in the coming days. - Rooney indicated none of the current staff are being considered for the head coach job and noted most assistant coaches are on expiring contracts; the next head coach will decide the staff and roster approach. Summary: Tomlin's resignation ends a long tenure and begins an organizational transition that will touch the coaching staff, roster planning and quarterback discussions. Rooney and general manager Omar Khan said they will lead an immediate search and have already requested interviews with multiple candidates. The full composition of the next staff and the team's longer-term direction are undetermined at this time.