Steelers RB Jaylen Warren says Mike Tomlin resigning 'sucked'

The Steelers' running back reflects on Mike Tomlin retiring after 15 seasons as head coach.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:40pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a Steelers football game or practice into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a palette of black, gold, and steel blue, capturing the sense of transition and uncertainty surrounding the team's future.The Steelers' transition to a new era under coach Mike McCarthy is marked by a sense of loss and uncertainty, as reflected in this cubist-inspired illustration.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren expressed his disappointment over the resignation of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, who stepped down in January following the team's early playoff exit. Warren, an undrafted player who Tomlin gave a chance to, said Tomlin's departure 'sucked' and that he 'never thought he was the problem' in Pittsburgh.

Why it matters

Tomlin's resignation after 15 seasons as the Steelers' head coach marks the end of an era for the franchise, which had enjoyed stability and consistent playoff contention under his leadership. Warren's comments provide insight into how Tomlin's departure has impacted the team's players, especially those like Warren who were given opportunities by the former coach.

The details

Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach in January following the team's 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the wild card round, marking the ninth consecutive season without a playoff win. In an appearance on Good Morning Football, Warren reflected on Tomlin's resignation, saying 'it sucked' and that Tomlin 'was never the problem' in Pittsburgh. Warren, an undrafted player, credited Tomlin for giving him a shot with the team.

  • Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach in January 2026.
  • The Steelers began their offseason program under new head coach Mike McCarthy on April 7, 2026.
  • The team will hold a voluntary mini-camp from April 20-22, 2026, and OTAs begin on May 18, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Warren

A running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers who was an undrafted free agent but was given a chance by former head coach Mike Tomlin.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who resigned in January 2026 after 15 seasons with the team.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who took over the team following Tomlin's resignation.

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What they’re saying

“I never thought he was the problem or whatever, but it sucks. I wouldn't say [I was] traumatized, but it hurt. Because he was the one who took me in as an undrafted [player]. He gave me a shot, and that's who I was playing under for my first four years. To hear him resign, it sucked. But he had to do what he had to do.”

— Jaylen Warren, Steelers running back

What’s next

The Steelers will hold a voluntary mini-camp from April 20-22, 2026, and OTAs will begin on May 18, 2026 under new head coach Mike McCarthy.

The takeaway

Tomlin's resignation after 15 successful seasons as the Steelers' head coach has clearly impacted the team's players, especially those like Jaylen Warren who were given opportunities by the former coach. The transition to a new era under Mike McCarthy will be closely watched as the Steelers look to return to the playoffs and contend for a Super Bowl title.