Overview
- Owner Art Rooney II said Tomlin’s decision was primarily family-related and noted the team was prepared to keep him for 2026 had he chosen to stay.
- Because Tomlin stepped down while under contract, the Steelers retain his rights through 2027, so any team seeking to hire him would need to trade compensation.
- Rooney and GM Omar Khan have opened an external search and ruled out internal candidates, with reported interview requests for Chargers DC Jesse Minter and Vikings DC Brian Flores, plus interest in Rams assistants Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase.
- Rooney acknowledged Aaron Rodgers signed to play for Tomlin and said the coach’s departure will likely affect the quarterback’s decision, as Pittsburgh weighs its plan with the No. 21 pick and 12 selections in the 2026 draft it will host.
- Multiple teams contacted Tomlin after his announcement, but they were told he does not intend to coach next season, with media roles widely viewed as a possible interim step.