Mike Tomlin Reflects on Tenure with Steelers in First Public Comments

Former head coach honored with community impact award after stepping down in January

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:08am

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In his first public statement since stepping down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin reflected on his 19-year tenure with the organization and the community he called home. Tomlin was honored with the Patricia Rooney Community Impact Award and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the 'greatest organization in sport' and the city of Pittsburgh.

Why it matters

Tomlin's departure from the Steelers after nearly two decades as head coach marks the end of an era for one of the NFL's most storied franchises. His comments provide insight into his perspective on his legacy and the importance of community involvement during his time in Pittsburgh.

The details

Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach following the team's 30-6 wild card playoff loss to the Houston Texans, which marked the ninth consecutive season the Steelers failed to win a playoff game. Tomlin did not hold a press conference after the loss, but made his first public comments while accepting the Patricia Rooney Community Impact Award.

  • Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach in January 2026 after the team's playoff loss.
  • Tomlin made his first public comments since stepping down on March 13, 2026 while accepting the Patricia Rooney Community Impact Award.

The players

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who served in that role for 19 seasons from 2007 to 2025.

Chuck Noll

A former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose 193 career wins are tied with Tomlin for the ninth-most all-time.

Houston Texans

The NFL team that defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 in the 2025 wild card playoff round, marking the Steelers' ninth consecutive season without a playoff win.

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What they’re saying

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

— Mike Tomlin, Former Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers (Steelers Now)

“It's been an honor to serve the greatest organization in sport. It's been an honor to be part of this great community, to call it home, [and] 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 the opportunity to call Pittsburgh home.”

— Mike Tomlin, Former Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers (Steelers Now)

“It's ben an honor to serve the community in which we live, its values that we hold, and it will continue. We appreciate the recognition, but as my wife said, we certainly don't do it for that. We've been extremely blessed, man, to share those blessings. We thank you.”

— Mike Tomlin, Former Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers (Steelers Now)

What’s next

Tomlin's future plans after stepping down from the Steelers are not yet known, but he is expected to be a highly sought-after coaching candidate if he chooses to return to the NFL.

The takeaway

Tomlin's reflective comments on his nearly two decades leading the Steelers organization highlight the importance of community involvement and leaving a lasting positive impact, even in the often-transient world of professional sports. His tenure in Pittsburgh is marked by sustained success and a commitment to the city he and his family called home.