Mike Tomlin Honored for Community Impact After Steelers Resignation

Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin speaks publicly for the first time since resigning, accepting an award for his charitable work in Pittsburgh.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:20am

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made his first public comments since resigning from the team in January, accepting the Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award at The Ireland Funds Pittsburgh Gala. In his brief remarks, Tomlin reflected on his nearly two decades leading the Steelers and serving the Pittsburgh community, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to call the city home.

Why it matters

Tomlin's resignation after the 2025 season came as a surprise, ending a highly successful but ultimately unfulfilled tenure as the Steelers' head coach. This appearance marks the first time Tomlin has spoken publicly since stepping down, shedding light on his perspective and legacy beyond just his on-field accomplishments.

The details

At the gala, Tomlin and his wife Kiya were honored for their extensive community involvement and charitable work in Pittsburgh, particularly Tomlin's efforts supporting underprivileged and fatherless youth. In his acceptance speech, Tomlin reflected on his 19 seasons leading the Steelers, saying the organization and city had become a long-term home for his family that they will continue to be involved with.

  • Tomlin resigned as Steelers head coach in January 2026.
  • Tomlin and his wife accepted the Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award at The Ireland Funds Pittsburgh Gala on March 13, 2026.

The players

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who resigned from the position in January 2026 after 19 seasons with the team.

Kiya Tomlin

The wife of Mike Tomlin, who was also honored at the gala alongside her husband for their community involvement in Pittsburgh.

Art Rooney II

The owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who confirmed he had intended to continue working with Tomlin after his resignation.

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What they’re saying

“It's often said, 'We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time'. Like, you have to choose. I think our experience here in Pittsburgh and with the great Steelers organization exemplifies that. We were here for a long and really good time.”

— Mike Tomlin (Steelers Ireland)

“It's been an honor to serve the greatest organization in sports. It's been an honor to be a part of this great community, to call it home, for our kids to call it home. We're in somewhat of a nomadic business, and so we don't take that for granted, that our kids get an opportunity to call Pittsburgh home. It's been an honor to serve the community in which we live, its values that we hold, and it will continue.”

— Mike Tomlin (Steelers Ireland)

“We've been extremely blessed, and we just like to share those blessings.”

— Mike Tomlin (Steelers Ireland)

What’s next

Tomlin has largely remained out of the public eye since his resignation, with this appearance marking his first substantial public comments. It remains to be seen if he will take on any new roles or continue to focus on his charitable work and family life going forward.

The takeaway

Despite the challenges and criticism Tomlin faced towards the end of his Steelers tenure, his legacy in Pittsburgh extends far beyond just his on-field accomplishments. This recognition of his community impact underscores how Tomlin prioritized giving back and serving as a positive role model, cementing his place as an iconic figure in the city's history.