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Could Steelers suddenly end up trading Tomlin after Bills HC news?
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Could Steelers suddenly end up trading Mike Tomlin after shocking Sean McDermott news?

Originally posted on Steeler Nation  |  By Parker Abate  |  Last updated Jan 19, 2026 10:48 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers were hit with some relatively surprising news after the team's wild-card round loss to the Houston Texans. 

Longtime head coach Mike Tomlin officially decided that it was time for him to step away from the organization. It has consistently been reported that he has no interest in being on the sideline in 2026, which is completely understandable. He was in the Steel City for almost two decades, and anyone with that kind of run deserves to take some time off. No one is quite sure what his next move will be, whether it relates to him being on television or coaching again.

The minds of people can change very quickly, as human beings are completely unpredictable. Tomlin has an affinity for the game of football, and it would be rather shocking if he were not involved with the NFL in some form as early as 2026. Being the head coach for a franchise isn't unlikely, but if the right opportunity presents itself, Tomlin could catch everyone off guard.

Could Mike Tomlin be a candidate for Bills' head-coaching opening?

On Monday morning, the league had more news that threw social media into a complete frenzy. The Buffalo Bills decided to fire head coach Sean McDermott, a college teammate and friend of Tomlin's.

This was always seen as a possibility given the Bills' incredible roster. Buffalo hasn't been to a Super Bowl in the Josh Allen era, and the organization is apparently fed up with locker-room leadership after yet another postseason exit. In one of the wildest head-coaching carousels in decades, another twist has emerged that could hold up pretty much every other hiring process that is still ongoing.

Tomlin is under contract through 2026, and it was recently reported that the New York Giants inquired about his services. However, the Super Bowl champion shot it down.

The open Bills job has to appease Tomlin more than any other vacancy that this cycle has. The franchise quarterback is set in stone for the next decade, and the defense has the pieces to be successful. If there is a team that Tomlin would be tempted to change his mind over, it could, without a doubt, be Buffalo. This would lead to draft compensation heading the Steelers' way, and general manager Omar Khan would make sure that it would be worth it.

Tomlin would absolutely demand a first-round pick, at a minimum. It has to be acknowledged that nothing points to him coaching in 2026, but the idea of him replacing his good friend and working with Allen will certainly be attractive. The question then becomes: Is Pittsburgh willing to trade him within the AFC? While not in the same division, the preferred destination in a trade would be to the other side in the NFC.

The Bills will begin a tedious search, just as the Steelers are in the process of doing. It could get much easier for Buffalo quickly if Tomlin's representation expresses a sincere interest in the job.

Steelers would receive haul in a Mike Tomlin trade

A first-round pick wouldn't be the end of the negotiations between Khan and Bills general manager Brandon Beane. Tomlin is seen as one of the best coaches of his generation, and it would take a good bit of capital to get a deal done. Luckily for Buffalo, it can go without some selections because Allen will make anyone and everyone around him better, something that Tomlin is also known for.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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