Five months have passed since Mike Tomlin stepped down from his position as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His departure centered on priorities like dedicating more time to his family while injecting fresh energy and hope into the franchise through new direction. The Steelers appear to have found that renewed spirit under Mike McCarthy, yet Tomlin himself has quickly gained attention in his latest role as an NBC broadcaster.
Despite his transition away from the sidelines, interest in the veteran coach remains strong across the NFL, particularly among divisional opponents. Teams continue to eye the strategist responsible for nearly two decades of consistent success.
Recent discussions have only fueled ongoing curiosity about a potential return to coaching.
During a recent episode of Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, the longtime Steelers defensive tackle hosted former NFL coach Jon Gruden. The pair explored various topics, including memorable “Tomlinisms.”
When Heyward inquired about what it might require for a franchise to pursue Tomlin, Gruden drew parallels to the Denver Broncos surrendering a first-round selection to acquire Sean Payton from the Saints. Gruden emphasized, “coaching matters!”
That exchange alone reignited conversations about Tomlin possibly ending his brief retirement. Analysts have begun linking him to several potential landing spots as the 2026 season approaches.
Allison Koehler of Steelers Wire recently highlighted four teams with plausible connections to the former Pittsburgh leader: the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and—in a notable twist—the Cincinnati Bengals. The inclusion of the Bengals stands out given the intense AFC North rivalry.
“Zac Taylor (Bengals head coach) reach a Super Bowl and made two early playoff trips, but Cincinnati has now missed three straight postseasons and just posted its first losing record since 2020,” Koehler wrote. “Joe Burrow’s injuries explain part of the decline, though a fourth consecutive miss could end Taylor’s run. Any Tomlin trade speculation would be wild given the rivalry, divisional politics and Pittsburgh’s history with its coach.”
The possibility of Tomlin joining the Bengals carries extra intrigue because it would place him directly opposite his former team twice each season. Such a move would create compelling storylines in a division already known for its competitive edge and history.
Tomlin is preparing to appear on the NBC panel for Football Night in America throughout the upcoming 2026 NFL campaign. Details about the exact duration of his broadcasting agreement remain unclear, but early indications point to a flexible arrangement. This setup would reportedly permit him to step back into coaching if an appealing opportunity arises.
Any interested franchise would first need to negotiate with the Steelers, who retain Tomlin’s rights through the 2027 season. Industry voices, including Gruden in his chat with Heyward, suggest that acquiring the coach could demand significant assets, such as a first-round draft choice similar to the Payton transaction. The payoff, according to supporters, would extend far beyond the cost.
“If you get a guy like Mike Tomlin, he’s going to hire a good group of coaches, and he’s going to develop players, that’s worth a lot more than a first-round pick, if you ask me,” Gruden said.
Cincinnati’s place in these rumors stems from tangible struggles rather than mere guesswork. The Bengals finished 6-11 during the 2025 season, relying on backups like Jake Browning and Joe Flacco at quarterback following injuries to Joe Burrow. Even so, owner Mike Brown expressed support for Taylor and personnel executive Duke Tobin in January.
Continued postseason absences with a healthy Burrow could prompt a change in direction.
Questions linger about whether Tomlin, if he returns, could finally overcome his historical playoff challenges when facing his old organization regularly. While he currently focuses on broadcasting rather than headset duties, the AFC North landscape might still come calling should circumstances align.
In the end, the Steelers maintain complete control over any potential transaction.
