Over 70 Steelers Players Honor Mike Tomlin in Emotional Zoom Call

Longtime Steelers coach's departure prompts outpouring of gratitude from current and former players

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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After 19 seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach, Mike Tomlin's departure has resonated deeply with players past and present. In a recent Zoom call, over 70 former and current Steelers players participated to express their gratitude to Tomlin for his leadership and mentorship during his tenure.

Why it matters

Tomlin's unique coaching approach, which emphasized personal connections with players, helped cultivate a winning culture in Pittsburgh. The emotional Zoom call is a testament to the profound impact he had on the organization and the lives of those he coached.

The details

Former Steelers wide receiver Nate Washington, who played under both Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin, highlighted Tomlin's more approachable and engaged coaching style compared to Cowher's more reserved demeanor. Tomlin actively interacted with players during practice, offering encouragement and building their confidence. This accessibility instilled a sense of belief in players, making them feel valued and capable of contributing at any moment.

  • Mike Tomlin departed the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons as head coach.

The players

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who led the team for 19 seasons and maintained a remarkable streak of avoiding losing seasons.

Nate Washington

A former Steelers wide receiver who played under both Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin, and highlighted the differences in their coaching styles.

Bill Cowher

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for his more reserved coaching style.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking over after Tomlin's departure.

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What they’re saying

“Having Coach Tomlin come in, and he's walking around station to station, drill to drill, twirling his whistle, walking up to you like, 'What's going on?' You feel a little closer.”

— Nate Washington, Former Steelers wide receiver (Bullseye View podcast)

What’s next

The Steelers have now turned to Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, signaling a new era for the franchise. The team will focus on retooling its roster through the draft and free agency, aiming to return to Super Bowl contention and build upon Tomlin's foundation while establishing a new identity under McCarthy's leadership.

The takeaway

Tomlin's ability to connect with his players on a personal level and foster a winning culture in Pittsburgh is a testament to the power of building strong relationships as a coach. His departure has left a lasting impact on the Steelers organization and the lives of those he coached.