Mike Tomlin Speaks Out After Steelers Resignation

Former Steelers head coach reflects on his 19-year tenure in Pittsburgh

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:37am

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Mike Tomlin, who stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in January after 19 seasons, made his first public comments since his resignation at a gala event in Pittsburgh. Tomlin and his wife Kiya were being honored with the Community Impact Award, and Tomlin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach the Steelers and be a part of the Pittsburgh community.

Why it matters

Tomlin's resignation after nearly two decades as the Steelers' head coach was a major shakeup in the NFL, and his first public comments since then provide insight into his reflections on his tenure and legacy in Pittsburgh.

The details

During his remarks, Tomlin spoke about how he and his family appreciated being able to call Pittsburgh home for so many years, given the "nomadic" nature of the coaching profession. He also expressed his honor in serving the "greatest organization in sports" and the Pittsburgh community. Tomlin compiled a 193-114-2 regular-season record with the Steelers, winning eight division titles, two Super Bowl appearances, and one championship, though the team's playoff success had dried up in recent years.

  • Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach in January 2026.
  • Tomlin and his wife were honored at the Ireland Funds Pittsburgh gala on March 13, 2026.

The players

Mike Tomlin

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

Kiya Tomlin

Wife of Mike Tomlin.

Mike McCarthy

Current head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hired to replace Mike Tomlin.

Bill Cowher

Former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who preceded Mike Tomlin and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Chuck Noll

Former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who preceded Bill Cowher and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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What they’re saying

“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 here in Pittsburgh, with the great Steelers organization, exemplifies that. We've been here for a long and really good time.”

— Mike Tomlin (ESPN)

“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, and for our kids to call it home. We're in somewhat of a nomadic business, and we don't take that for granted that our kids get an opportunity to call Pittsburgh home.”

— Mike Tomlin (ESPN)

What’s next

Tomlin's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is expected to be considered in the coming years, given his sustained success and legacy with the Steelers organization.

The takeaway

Tomlin's reflective comments at the gala highlight his deep appreciation for the opportunity to coach the Steelers for nearly two decades and be part of the Pittsburgh community, despite the challenges of the "nomadic" nature of the coaching profession.