Overview
- Mike Tomlin told players it was “best that I step down” and “You deserve better, and right now I can’t deliver,” according to multiple reports on his closed-door farewell.
- Reports described an emotional locker room reaction, with Aaron Rodgers apologizing through tears and T.J. Watt repeating “No” as the news sank in.
- Ex-Steelers star James Harrison said on his podcast that Tomlin is not a Hall of Fame coach, citing a lack of a coaching tree and an 8-12 postseason record.
- Kiya Tomlin defended her husband’s mentorship in an Instagram message, calling the men he coached his “true legacy” and “his Coaching Tree.”
- Tomlin was spotted Friday cheering daughter Harley at Georgia’s gymnastics meet, as coverage noted he is not expected to coach in 2026 and the Steelers hold his rights through 2027.