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Le'Veon Bell Reacts To Mike Tomlin Leaving The Steelers

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 3:25 AM ET

Le'Veon Bell joined everyone in processing the end of an era after Mike Tomlin stepped down as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach.

Tomlin left the Steelers on Tuesday following a lopsided first-round playoff loss to the Houston Texans. He ended a decorated 19-year stint with 201 wins (postseason included) and a Super Bowl title, but three consecutive 10-7 seasons ended with double-digit Wild Card Round losses.

Bell played under Tomlin for five seasons, tallying 7,996 scrimmage yards with three Pro Bowls and two first-team All-Pro nods. The former Steelers running back reacted to Tomlin's decision on social media.

"Go to where your [sic] celebrated Coach T," Bell wrote.

Bell responded to other posts about Tomlin's exit with a goat emoji and congratulated the 53-year-old in a reply to the NFL's tweet.

"Great career coach," Bell wrote.

"I just don't get it"

Bell also defended Tomlin from criticism by Shannon Sharpe, who suggested the head coach "chose" not to replace Ben Roethlisberger with a better quarterback over the last decade.

The former running back redirected the blame to general manager Omar Khan and his predecessor, Kevin Colbert.

"His responsibility is to COACH," Bell replied. "Shannon, you know that. It’s on OMAR and before him KEVIN to get there [sic] quarterback."

The Steelers have lost seven straight playoff games under Tomlin, but they also never finished under .500 during his 19-year run. Bell warned a fan celebrating the coach's exit that the grass may not be greener on the other side.

"So quick to wanna be 4-13," Bell wrote. "I just don’t get it."

Tomlin reacts to departure

Nov 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin warms up for a game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images© Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Steelers shared a statement from Tomlin thanking the team for his long stint as head coach.

"This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team," Tomlin said. "I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful."

Tomlin wished the Steelers organization well in their next phase. Pittsburgh will hire its fourth head coach since 1969 (Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Tomlin).

"While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change," he continued. "I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh."

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

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