Jan. 13 (UPI) — Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has resigned, owner Art Rooney II announced Tuesday.
Tomlin posted a 193-114-2 record over 19 seasons with the Steelers, including 10-7 campaigns each of the last three years. He never had a losing season. The Steelers, who won a Super Bowl in Tomlin’s second season, went to the playoffs 13 times during his tenure.
“During our meeting today, coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our head coach,” Rooney said in a statement. “Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years.”
The Steelers, who went to the Super Bowl twice in Tomlin’s first four seasons, were 0-7 in the coach’s final seven postseason appearances.
“It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for coach Tomlin,” Rooney said.
“He guided the franchise to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career. His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated.
“My family and I, and everyone connected to Steelers management, are forever grateful for the passion and dedication Mike Tomlin has devoted to Steelers football.”
Tomlin will now join a pool of experienced former head coaches available, including John Harbaugh, Pete Carroll, Kevin Stefanski and Mike McDaniel, to potentially fill several vacancies this offseason.
Tomlin’s departure came less than 24 hours after the Steelers’ loss to the Houston Texans in the final wild card game of the postseason. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers pushed for Tomlin to keep his job. Tomlin told reporters he wasn’t “in the mindset” to talk about his future.
He was under contract with the Steelers in 2026, with a team option in 2027.
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