NFL Coaches Celebrate Mike Tomlin's Legacy at League Meetings

The former Steelers head coach was honored by his peers after a historic 19-year run in Pittsburgh.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:34pm

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Even though Mike Tomlin is no longer the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL head coaches and insiders celebrated his remarkable 19-year tenure with the franchise at the league meetings in Phoenix this week. Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer captured a video of coaches enjoying each other's company and specifically shouting out Tomlin, who never had a losing season in Pittsburgh and led the team to 13 playoff appearances, 8 division titles, 3 AFC Championship games, and a Super Bowl title.

Why it matters

Tomlin's sustained success and longevity with the Steelers is a rarity in the NFL, where head coaches often have short tenures. His peers' public recognition of his accomplishments underscores the respect he has earned across the league, even after stepping away from coaching for the 2026 season.

The details

During his 19 seasons as Steelers head coach, Tomlin compiled a 193-115-2 regular-season record, the most wins in franchise history (tied with Chuck Noll). He guided Pittsburgh to the playoffs 13 times, won 8 division titles, reached 3 AFC Championship games, and won Super Bowl XLIII. Tomlin is the only NFL head coach to never have a losing season.

  • Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach after the 2025 season.
  • The NFL league meetings where Tomlin was celebrated took place in Phoenix in April 2026.

The players

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who stepped down after the 2025 season following a historic 19-year tenure with the franchise.

Jay Glazer

A Fox Sports insider who captured a video of NFL head coaches celebrating Tomlin at the league meetings in Phoenix.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hired to replace Tomlin after previously leading the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys to success.

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What they’re saying

“One of my favorite days of the year!!! Our 18th annual NFL Head Coaches day-drinking day at the NFL Owners Meeting. I started this with Mike Tomlin 18 years ago (yes, we raised a glass to him) to get the head coach fraternity to bond together, bounce things off each other, ask each other for advice and to celebrate how cool life is TOGETHER…”

— Jay Glazer, Fox Sports Insider

What’s next

The Steelers will look to continue their success under new head coach Mike McCarthy, who has a track record of leading teams to the playoffs. Tomlin's legacy in Pittsburgh will likely be cemented as one of the greatest head coaches in franchise history.

The takeaway

Mike Tomlin's remarkable 19-year tenure as the Steelers' head coach, marked by consistent winning and a lack of losing seasons, has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers across the NFL. His celebration by current head coaches at the league meetings underscores the lasting impact he had on the game and the high regard in which he is held by the coaching fraternity.