Mike Tomlin Says He Would Coach Josh Allen

Tomlin’s public praise underscores his continued appeal to NFL teams, with the Steelers’ retained coaching rights and Buffalo’s hire of Joe Brady making an immediate move unlikely.

Overview

Tomlin told the PFF NFL Show that he would “take Josh Allen” as the quarterback he most wants to coach during an appearance on Tuesday.
He is working as a studio analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America and has said he is enjoying the new role while learning the broadcast side of the game.
Reporting notes Tomlin remains under contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and that the team still holds his coaching rights, which would need to be traded or released for him to pursue other jobs immediately.
The Buffalo Bills hired Joe Brady after firing Sean McDermott earlier in 2026, which makes a near-term Tomlin-to-Buffalo scenario unlikely even though Tomlin praised Allen’s late-game play and dual-threat ability.
Tomlin’s 19-season track record, including never posting a losing season and a Super Bowl title, keeps him highly marketable and likely to draw serious interest if he decides to return to coaching.