Overview
- Art Rooney II said Tomlin described his choice as more family-related and indicated he does not anticipate coaching in 2026, a stance echoed in multiple reports.
- Pittsburgh will not consider internal candidates for the job, with Rooney stating no current staff members are in the running.
- The Steelers have requested interviews with external candidates including Jesse Minter, Brian Flores, Chris Shula, Nate Scheelhaase and Anthony Weaver, and Rooney expects the search to take weeks with a hire before the NFL Combine.
- Because Tomlin stepped down while under contract, the Steelers hold his rights and any team seeking to hire him would owe draft compensation.
- Rooney acknowledged Tomlin’s departure will likely affect Aaron Rodgers’ plans, and he emphasized leadership as the top criterion while reiterating the club’s intent to contend next season.