Where Could Mike Tomlin Coach Next? NFL Insiders Weigh In

Trade would be required for Tomlin to coach elsewhere, with several teams discussed as possible fits

After Mike Tomlin’s unexpected resignation from the Pittsburgh Steelers—yes, you read that right, nearly two decades of Terrible Towels and sideline scowls—NFL fans and analysts are in a frenzy. Tomlin is still under contract with Pittsburgh through 2027, so if he’s going to don another team’s colors, the Steelers would have to sign off on a trade. In other words, it’s not as simple as packing up his headset and hitting the road. That uncertainty follows weeks of public debate sparked by Steelers legends questioning Mike Tomlin’s future and whether a change was inevitable.

Rumor mills are working overtime, and several teams have been tossed into the ring as possible landing spots for Tomlin. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers keep popping up, and for good reason. Tomlin cut his NFL coaching teeth there as a defensive backs coach. Some folks say you never forget your first love, and maybe Tampa still holds a special place in his football heart.

The Kansas City Chiefs have also entered the chat, but there’s a big “if” hanging over that scenario—namely, if Andy Reid decides to hang up his mustache and retire. Reid has made it clear he’s not ready to ride off into the sunset just yet. Plus, both the Chiefs and Steelers are AFC heavyweights, so any Tomlin trade would likely come with a king’s ransom attached.

The Washington Commanders have been whispered about, too. The idea of Tomlin moving closer to his hometown of Newport News, Virginia, has some sentimental appeal. Still, that’s just barbershop talk for now—there are a lot of moving parts, and nothing is set in stone.

And then there are the New York Jets, who always seem to be searching for that elusive spark of stability and leadership. Some pundits have floated Tomlin’s name as a possible answer to their prayers. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—there’s no official word tying Tomlin to the Jets or anyone else at this point.

For now, Tomlin’s next chapter is anyone’s guess. His departure from Pittsburgh has set off a firestorm of debate about what’s next for both the coach and the Steelers organization. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is already reshaping its staff with moves like the Steelers hiring Domata Peko as defensive line coach, signaling a broader organizational transition. If you’re hungry for more, there’s plenty of analysis out there—everything from hot takes on the Steelers’ new coaching hires to deep dives into Tomlin’s legacy. Former franchise icons remain central to these conversations, including ongoing debates around Ben Roethlisberger’s Hall of Fame future and his voice in Steelers discussions.

So, until the ink dries on an official announcement, fans and insiders alike will just have to play the waiting game and keep speculating about where Mike Tomlin might land—assuming he decides to jump back into the NFL fray at all.