Overview
- In his final team meeting, Tomlin told players, “You deserve better, and right now I can’t deliver,” as sources described a stunned, silent room and emotional goodbyes.
- Owner Art Rooney II said Tomlin does not anticipate coaching in the near future, and the team retains his contractual rights for the remaining years.
- Former linebacker James Harrison said Tomlin is not a Hall of Fame coach, citing an 8–12 postseason record and a lack of a coaching tree despite 193 regular-season wins.
- Kiya Tomlin shared posts praising her husband’s mentorship, framing his “coaching tree” as the players and young people he helped develop on and off the field.
- Early discussion of successors has begun, with one league executive suggesting Mike McCarthy as a possible fit, while ex-Steeler Ryan Clark predicts a 2026 step back as a reset.