Mike Tomlin Stepping Down As Pittsburgh Head Coach After 19 Seasons

Mike Tomlin is stepping down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to ESPN, the team made the announcement that Tomlin informed them of his decision to leave the Steelers after 19 years. 

“Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years,” said team president Art Rooney II in a statement. “It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin.”

The 53-year old entered the 2025 NFL season as the longest-tenured head coach — not only in the NFL, but in all of North American professional sports. He was only 34 when the Steelers hired him in 2007 and won a Super Bowl in his second season

Tomlin ends his tenure in Pittsburgh having never had a losing season in almost two decades. He clinched his 200th career NFL victory in Week 16 against the Lions and tied Chuck Noll for ninth with 193 regular-season wins in a Week 18 victory against the Ravens that clinched the AFC North title.

The Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans on Monday, Jan. 12., After the defeat, Tomlin acknowledged frustration.

“When you don’t get it done, words are cheap,” Tomlin said in his postgame press conference. “It’s about what you do or you don’t do. And so, I appreciate the question, but people talk too much in our business. You either do or you don’t.”

Tomlin issued a statement on Tuesday, Jan 13, per the NFL.

"After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers," it reads. "This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team. I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.

"I want to also thank Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team. While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh."