Adam Schefter Shares Growing 'Belief' About Mike Tomlin's Future

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 1:57 PM ET

In Mike Tomlin's 19 years as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers he's never had a losing season. But he also hasn't won a playoff game since the final days of the Obama Administration.

With Tomlin's seat never being hotter in Pittsburgh, many are wondering how much longer the franchise can go on before it's time to make a change — something that simply isn't in the organization's DNA.

The Steelers are roughly seven hours away from potentially advancing to the postseason and locking up their first AFC North title since 2020. However, a loss would mean more disappointment for a team that's been middling since the days of the Killer B's.

But will it end up costing him Tomlin his job? ESPN's Adam Schefter appears to have the answer.

Nov 21, 2022; Mexico City, MEX; Broadcaster Adam Schefter of ESPN’s Monday Night Football Countdown is seen on the sideline prior to the NFL International Series game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at Estadio Azteca. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Adam Schefter shares update on Mike Tomlin's 2026 job status

Appearing on "SportsCenter" ahead of Week 18's NFL action, Schefter explained what he's been hearing about Mike Tomlin and what the belief is around the league concerning his job security.

“Yeah, well, there has been so much speculation about the future of Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh, we heard Steeler fans chanting about a month ago, fire Mike Tomlin,” Schefter began on "SportsCenter."

“No, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not going to fire Mike Tomlin, and there continue to be questions about his future. I think the belief around the league is that Tomlin is going to be back to fulfill the last year on his contract," the insider continued. "But obviously those conversations will occur after tonight’s game will have a bearing.”

Mike McCarthy backs Tomlin going into Sunday

On Thursday's "Pat McAfee Show," ex Packers-Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy weighed in on the Tomlin situation and where he sees things going for the former Super Bowl champ in the future.

"I have the utmost respect for Mike Tomlin," McCarthy said. "... I’ve competed against Mike, you know, and I think Mike is really starting the second half of a Hall of Fame career. I think Mike’s in his early 50s. He can coach along as he wants. But they’re playing for first place on Sunday. They’ve been in these kind of spots before, and it’s hard. It’s hard. And you get it, it’s about winning, and it’s about who’s putting the next Super Bowl Trophy in that case.”

"I have the utmost respect for Mike Tomlin and he can coach for as long as he wants..

The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing for first place on Sunday" ~ Coach McCarthy #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Icf1nllB7k
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 4, 2025

There's no question that Mike Tomlin is a good NFL coach, and deserves to be on the sideline somewhere. It's just a matter of if things have run their course in Pittsburgh in a league that pivoted towards offense a long time ago.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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