Calvin Austin III opens up about Mike Tomlin stepping down as Steelers' head coach

Members of the football community were stunned to learn on Tuesday that Mike Tomlin had officially stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after spending 19 seasons in the role.

Tomlin informed Steelers players of his decision on Tuesday afternoon. During an appearance on Pittsburgh radio station 102.5 WDVE, Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III spoke about the day's developments. 

Did Steelers players expect Mike Tomlin to step down?

"He talked to us [Tuesday] and let us know that he was stepping down," Austin explained, per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "Obviously, it was a lot for all of us to process in that moment just 'cause always there's been uncertainty when you get to the end of the season...But I feel like, obviously, for the past 19 years, Coach T. being here has been a constant that you can always kind of count on. We knew there was gonna be speculation at the end of the year, but a lot of us didn't know it was going to be like, right now, right after a tough loss."

Tomlin's departure came less than 24 hours after the Steelers suffered a 30-6 wild-card playoff loss to the Houston Texans. Under Tomlin, Pittsburgh has dropped its last seven postseason games. The Steelers last recorded a playoff victory in January 2017. 

Meanwhile, Tomlin reportedly will take at least one season off from coaching. He could spend the 2026 campaign working as an NFL analyst for Fox or one of the league's other media partners. 

"It was pretty tough for us to hear that from him," Austin said. "I don't think anyone expected it right then and there. To hear the words when he said it was like, snap to reality. Like, okay, this is really real."

How Mike Tomlin's departure will impact decisions made by Steelers players

Austin is among the Pittsburgh players on track to reach free agency when the new league year opens in March. He hinted that Tuesday's events could impact what he decides to do regarding his playing future.

"Guys thinking about free agency, obviously Coach T. was gonna be a big part of that," Austin added. "And having that end of the season interview with him to exit was gonna be a big part in seeing where his head [was] at...That goes out the window. It was an emotional day."