Was Mike Tomlin fired? What Steelers said about head coach split
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Was Mike Tomlin fired? What Steelers said about head coach split
Josh Peter, USA TODAYJanuary 14, 2026 at 5:11 AM
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Mike Tomlin pulled a stunner Tuesday, Jan. 13, stepping down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers – and with two years left on his contract, per ESPN.
Were the Steelers prepared to fire Tomlin? Or did they actually usher Tomlin out the door?
Well, team president Art Rooney II didn’t publicly communicate any effort to talk Tomlin out of resigning after 19 years as the team’s head coach.
“During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our Head Coach,’’ Rooney said in a statement issued on X. “Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years. It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin. He guided the franchise to its sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career. His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated.
“My family and I, and everyone connected to the Steelers management, are forever grateful for the passion and dedication Mike Tomlin has devoted to Steelers football.’’
2007: 10-6, reached playoffs
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2007: 10-6, reached playoffs
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XdoXHfKnAjgQZmNfso_f3g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cc0a8839552e3a62aff7cb7f59c0d945 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2007: 10-6, reached playoffs
">2007: 10-6, reached playoffs
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XdoXHfKnAjgQZmNfso_f3g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cc0a8839552e3a62aff7cb7f59c0d945 class=caas-img>2008: 12-4, won Super Bowl 43
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2008: 12-4, won Super Bowl 43
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/F63sX7vmndkZO7jfYVTDiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03Nzk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/97bf403d8bb3c5d0af790120977eb4fb class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2008: 12-4, won Super Bowl 43
">2008: 12-4, won Super Bowl 43
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/F63sX7vmndkZO7jfYVTDiw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03Nzk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/97bf403d8bb3c5d0af790120977eb4fb class=caas-img>2009: 9-7
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2009: 9-7
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BLbDuoF0kxkPJkOmiQR9vA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4af927650eb81a06dafad2e644c5b95a class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2009: 9-7
">2009: 9-7
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BLbDuoF0kxkPJkOmiQR9vA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4af927650eb81a06dafad2e644c5b95a class=caas-img>2010: 12-4, reached Super Bowl 45
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2010: 12-4, reached Super Bowl 45
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/uTcVjNX800O4CWKFlEzjeA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/de7c00206278f378985a668a18bbeb55 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2010: 12-4, reached Super Bowl 45
">2010: 12-4, reached Super Bowl 45
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/uTcVjNX800O4CWKFlEzjeA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/de7c00206278f378985a668a18bbeb55 class=caas-img>2011: 12-4, reached playoffs
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2011: 12-4, reached playoffs
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/C6EPz7NjHBy88AS2y6iuIQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9e873c5188cad80da471cd6f743d2ddd class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2011: 12-4, reached playoffs
">2011: 12-4, reached playoffs
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/C6EPz7NjHBy88AS2y6iuIQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9e873c5188cad80da471cd6f743d2ddd class=caas-img>2012: 8-8
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2012: 8-8
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fbqSqSsnQ5Em9zD8el08Mg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f7dde172b497d01697604ed53cfb2463 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2012: 8-8
">2012: 8-8
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fbqSqSsnQ5Em9zD8el08Mg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODY0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f7dde172b497d01697604ed53cfb2463 class=caas-img>2013: 8-8
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2013: 8-8
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FeYf.oZf0kr7mpzKlLNmCw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/de7e133f493042984f71a514da99b60f class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2013: 8-8
">2013: 8-8
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FeYf.oZf0kr7mpzKlLNmCw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/de7e133f493042984f71a514da99b60f class=caas-img>2014: 11-5, reached playoffs
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2014: 11-5, reached playoffs
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CMPKav_BP5JZHWQzmGvnuQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjY1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b99d37100b8e5f278dc3bcce93ee2284 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2014: 11-5, reached playoffs
">2014: 11-5, reached playoffs
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CMPKav_BP5JZHWQzmGvnuQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjY1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b99d37100b8e5f278dc3bcce93ee2284 class=caas-img>2015: 10-6, reached playoffs
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2015: 10-6, reached playoffs
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4h.Yd8sm1ftMIxER3X2tJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mzc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b4deee2b8f96e6e78673a4df793195f6 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2015: 10-6, reached playoffs
">2015: 10-6, reached playoffs
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4h.Yd8sm1ftMIxER3X2tJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mzc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b4deee2b8f96e6e78673a4df793195f6 class=caas-img>2016: 11-5, reached AFC Championship Game
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2016: 11-5, reached AFC Championship Game
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_vDwDd9ABSQuJ9RfOABp8Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e0a13c87b44b3b2be0a4ee280889c015 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2016: 11-5, reached AFC Championship Game
">2016: 11-5, reached AFC Championship Game
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_vDwDd9ABSQuJ9RfOABp8Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e0a13c87b44b3b2be0a4ee280889c015 class=caas-img>2017: 13-3, reached playoffs
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2017: 13-3, reached playoffs
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4KUzga17698cLIhOA2DEyw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4bc1fc1a5a9f67dc767491a201aea1d9 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2017: 13-3, reached playoffs
">2017: 13-3, reached playoffs
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4KUzga17698cLIhOA2DEyw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4bc1fc1a5a9f67dc767491a201aea1d9 class=caas-img>2018: 9-6-1
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2018: 9-6-1
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/G5VTu6pDWF_YOj4rbR3kHA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/387ca8a1973cbcb269a13d4af70bfccc class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2018: 9-6-1
">2018: 9-6-1
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/G5VTu6pDWF_YOj4rbR3kHA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/387ca8a1973cbcb269a13d4af70bfccc class=caas-img>2019: 8-8
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2019: 8-8
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/16rT3u1XMqwSQZq7ZY4u3g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ad38cce65d29a05804226ae542438fe6 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2019: 8-8
">2019: 8-8
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/16rT3u1XMqwSQZq7ZY4u3g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ad38cce65d29a05804226ae542438fe6 class=caas-img>2020: 12-4, reached playoffs
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2020: 12-4, reached playoffs
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0aUvbjvyUSCRUO4jik3WVQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/333fd4dcd806e1b952f72ee7cf921d17 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2020: 12-4, reached playoffs
">2020: 12-4, reached playoffs
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0aUvbjvyUSCRUO4jik3WVQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/333fd4dcd806e1b952f72ee7cf921d17 class=caas-img>2021: 9-7-1, reached playoffs
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2021: 9-7-1, reached playoffs
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZTHQho8Az5WB4Lv6qyUZog--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b824e5c148162d7c684a4dde1201f639 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2021: 9-7-1, reached playoffs
">2021: 9-7-1, reached playoffs
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZTHQho8Az5WB4Lv6qyUZog--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b824e5c148162d7c684a4dde1201f639 class=caas-img>2022: 9-8
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2022: 9-8
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5P..W0TrJPtrYaXriadG1g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f50c7da16cf1d0bf7d74e8421a249b7c class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2022: 9-8
">2022: 9-8
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5P..W0TrJPtrYaXriadG1g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f50c7da16cf1d0bf7d74e8421a249b7c class=caas-img>2023: 10-7, reached playoffs
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2023: 10-7, reached playoffs
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IIt0IoPWRgQ5CBqXRG2IXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1c39014da272d76083b60bdbd9294170 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2023: 10-7, reached playoffs
">2023: 10-7, reached playoffs
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IIt0IoPWRgQ5CBqXRG2IXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1c39014da272d76083b60bdbd9294170 class=caas-img>2024: 10-7, reached playoffs
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2024: 10-7, reached playoffs
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8g.K5yGKYjqE238XTtSZaA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Nzk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/890f6bc19ff724d4a1adf9bf75b25a16 class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2024: 10-7, reached playoffs
">2024: 10-7, reached playoffs
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8g.K5yGKYjqE238XTtSZaA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Nzk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/890f6bc19ff724d4a1adf9bf75b25a16 class=caas-img>2025: 10-7, reached playoffs
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2025: 10-7, reached playoffs
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/X6oIhh0IhN0K.C2ALwoQhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c64a7d5fd62d6e3991dbb6031cb24ada class=caas-img data-headline="Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons" data-caption="
2025: 10-7, reached playoffs
">2025: 10-7, reached playoffs
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/X6oIhh0IhN0K.C2ALwoQhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c64a7d5fd62d6e3991dbb6031cb24ada class=caas-img>
1 / 19Mike Tomlin steps down: Look back at all 19 Pittsburgh Steelers seasons
2007: 10-6, reached playoffs
For what it’s worth, firing head coaches is not the Steeler way. In fact, the team hasn’t canned a coach since dumping Bill Austin in 1968.
That opened the door for Chuck Noll, who guided the Steelers to four Super Bowl championships before retiring in 1991. Next up was Bill Cower, who led the Steelers to the franchise’s fifth Super Bowl title before retiring in 2006. Then came Tomlin, who guided the Steelers to yet another Super Bowl championship before stepping aside – with no apparent plans for retirement and perhaps one step ahead of someone else determining his fate.
Mike Tomlin statement
Tomlin issued his own statement on his departure, via the Steelers:
"After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team. I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.
"I want to also thank Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team.
"While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Was Mike Tomlin fired? What Pittsburgh Steelers said about split
Source: “AOL Sports”
