Steelers' Mike Tomlin reacts to Ravens firing John Harbaugh

The Baltimore Ravens' firing of longtime head coach John Harbaugh continues to be the most-discussed NFL story of the opening week of 2026. 

Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had some epic battles with Harbaugh for well over a decade. During a Wednesday appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show," Tomlin reacted to the stunning Harbaugh news. 

Mike Tomlin has a ton of respect for John Harbaugh

"I just have so much respect for Harbs," Tomlin said, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "Our stories will forever be interwoven. This rivalry that we’ve been fortunate and honored enough to be a part of, I’ve just got so much respect for him and how he’s gone about his business. And we’ve certainly had some legendary battles over the years."

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted that Tomlin and Harbaugh faced each other 44 times from 2008 through Week 18 of this season. The Steelers went 23–17 in regular-season play, and both teams won two of four playoff games. 

While some suggested throughout the fall that the Steelers and Tomlin could part ways this winter, there is now no indication that will be the case whenever Pittsburgh plays its final game of the campaign. The 10-7 Steelers host the 12-5 Houston Texans for a wild-card playoff matchup on Monday night. 

As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Pittsburgh as a three-point home underdog for that contest. 

Mike Tomlin: John Harbaugh firing "a component of today’s sport culture"

"In terms of him being let go, unfortunately, I just think it’s a component of today’s sport culture," Tomlin added. "And so, you know, there’ve been many examples of that, and so it’s unfortunate. But I’m sure that he is going to move on, and if he chooses to coach again, I’m sure he will, and I’m sure he’ll be very successful at doing so. But more than anything, I just think it’s a larger example of today’s sport culture in terms of not a lot of patience and the entertainment component of what it is that we do. There’s just not a lot of longevity."

Harbaugh is expected to be a candidate for every NFL head coach opening (other than Baltimore's), including the one belonging to the Cleveland Browns. Perhaps Harbaugh and Tomlin will face off against each other twice more next season.