Mike Tomlin’s Next Move: NFC Team Emerges as Potential Landing Spot

WHO:

Pro Football Network - NFL insider Mike Florio said the Carolina Panthers are strong suitors for Mike Tomlin.

NBC Sports - Mike Tomlin coached the Pittsburgh Steelers for 19 seasons and has moved into media as an analyst.

NBC Sports - Panthers owner David Tepper previously owned a piece of the Steelers and is “widely believed to be very interested” in Tomlin.

NBC Sports - Jets owner Woody Johnson was identified as a possible suitor; Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones was also discussed.

Heavy NFL - Tomlin was described as the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Super Bowl winner.

WHAT:

NBC Sports - Asked whether he would coach again, Tomlin said, “I’m having a lot of fun,” and that he had not “given one iota of thought about coaching.” He added, “I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it,” and said he was excited about his new role and working to improve each week.

Heavy NFL - Tomlin resigned at the conclusion of the 2025 season.

Heavy NFL - Tomlin’s Steelers teams had a winning record in each season he coached them.

NBC Sports - The article said a pursuit of Tomlin would be dictated by his choices and that interested teams would have to wait if he declined to consider opportunities until the regular season ended.

NBC Sports - The article estimated that attracting Tomlin could require $30 million or more annually, compared with a top coaching-market range of about $25 million annually.

WHERE:

NBC Sports - Tomlin made his comments during an NBC conference call.

Heavy NFL - Tomlin’s coaching role was with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Heavy NFL - The Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals were mentioned in connection with a game in Cincinnati.

WHY:

NBC Sports - The article cited ownership support and quarterback quality as key factors in Tomlin choosing a coaching opportunity.

NBC Sports - The Jets were described as a possible fit after the Giants hired Tomlin’s former rival John Harbaugh.

HOW:

NBC Sports - The article said NFL owners or their representatives could contact Tomlin through backchannels, and noted that some coaching jobs may be unofficially filled before formal interviews conclude.

NBC Sports - The article listed the Jets, Colts, Eagles, and Panthers as teams to watch, while saying the Cowboys would be a possibility only if Jerry Jones were willing to pay.

NBC Sports - The article said Tomlin could wait until after the 2027 season or longer to pursue the right opportunity.

Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says he’s enjoying media work and hasn’t considered coaching again. The Carolina Panthers are viewed as strong suitors, with owner David Tepper reportedly interested. The Jets and Cowboys are also possibilities, but Tomlin controls whether he returns.