Bill Cowher offers Mike Tomlin advice for broadcasting career

Mike Tomlin has some experience following in the footsteps of Bill Cowher, as Tomlin took over as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in January 2007 after Cowher resigned. Cowher was Pittsburgh's head coach from 1992 through the 2006 season, and Tomlin then held the job until he stepped down this past January. 

Like Cowher, Tomlin will make a move from coaching to broadcasting later this year. During a Wednesday chat with CBS Pittsburgh, Cowher offered Tomlin some advice for finding success as a media member.

Bill Cowher to Mike Tomlin: Be yourself as a studio analyst

"Just be yourself," Cowher said, per Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. "I think that's what Mike will be. I might be the first that didn't go back to coaching. I've been there 20 years now. I think it's great."

Of course, Hall of Fame head coach and NFL legend John Madden truly paved the way for individuals such as Cowher and Tomlin. For at least the 2026 season, Tomlin will serve as an analyst for NBC's "Football Night in America" that precede "Sunday Night Football" games. Meanwhile, Cowher joined CBS Sports in February 2007 and has worked on editions of "The NFL Today" ever since. 

Why Bill Cowher is excited for Steelers fans after Mike Tomlin news

Multiple individuals who are close with Tomlin seem to believe he "wants to be done" coaching, but the 54-year-old has not yet publicly confirmed that's the case. Even if he does, it's practically a guarantee that at least one team in need of a head coach in January 2027 will call Tomlin's representatives about that opening. 

For now, Cowher seems excited about what Tomlin joining NBC will mean for Pittsburgh fans this fall. 

"I think the one thing that you can talk about is, on Sunday afternoons, you can watch a Pittsburgh coach all day long," Cowher added. "The pre-game show with me, (current Steelers head coach) Mike McCarthy on the field doing his thing, and then Sunday night you can watch Mike Tomlin. You can get a taste of Pittsburgh all day long on Sundays."

One wonders if getting a taste of working for NBC will convince Tomlin that, like Cowher, he doesn't need to return to the sidelines to enjoy working on NFL Sundays.