Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Mike Tomlin Receives Offer After Parting Ways With Steelers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 9:56 AM ET

Mike Tomlin’s tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers came to an end after 19 seasons as head coach, marking the conclusion of one of the most enduring coaching runs in NFL history. During his time in Pittsburgh, Tomlin never posted a losing season, leading the Steelers to 13 playoff appearances, eight AFC North titles and two Super Bowl berths, including a victory in Super Bowl XLIII.

Despite consistent regular-season success, the Steelers had struggled in the postseason in recent years, failing to win a playoff game since 2016. Tomlin announced his decision to step away from coaching shortly after Pittsburgh’s 30-6 wild card loss to the Houston Texans.

After his departure, team president Art Rooney II confirmed that Tomlin “did not anticipate coaching, at least in the near future” as he plans to spend more time with family.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8).Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

With Tomlin not currently considering a coaching return for the 2026 season, CBS Sports analyst Nate Burleson publicly extended an invitation for the former Steelers coach to join the network’s broadcast team.

Speaking outside the CBS studios in New York, Burleson told TMZ Sports, “If you are taking time off, come over to CBS. I got a seat for you on ‘NFL Today.’” He added of Tomlin, “He got the energy, he got the swagger, he looks good, articulate, and all that, plus he has the resume.”

Nate Burleson Invites Mike Tomlin to Join CBS Broadcast Team, 'Got A Seat For You' | Click to read more https://t.co/EKZbTD8kuz pic.twitter.com/3vU6RlqF8O
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) January 18, 2026

“The NFL Today,” CBS’s flagship NFL pregame show, has an opening with veteran analyst Matt Ryan departing for a coaching role with the Atlanta Falcons, which has created opportunities on the network’s football coverage lineup.

Tomlin’s combination of coaching experience, personality and industry respect makes him a compelling candidate for television work, should he choose to shift into broadcasting during his hiatus from coaching. His success with the Steelers and long-standing presence in the league give him a strong foundation for a potential role analyzing the NFL from the studio. However, it remains to be seen whether Tomlin ultimately joins CBS or pursues other opportunities.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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