Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Steelers Predicted to Lose Former Super Bowl Champion After Mike Tomlin's Departure

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 1:24 PM ET

Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers did not have the ending to the 2025 NFL season they were hoping for. By going 10-7 in the regular season, Pittsburgh won the AFC North title for the first time since 2020.

However, the Steelers were quickly knocked out of the playoffs, losing to the Houston Texans 30-6 at home in the wild-card round. Just two days into the offseason, the team has undergone major changes.

That includes head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down after 19 seasons with the Steelers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The changes aren't expected to end there, either, with free agency beginning on March 11.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In an article from ESPN, Aaron Schatz predicts the Steelers will lose offensive guard Isaac Seumalo to the Los Angeles Chargers.

"The Chargers will blow their free agency budget on Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo," Schatz wrote. "Despite turning 33 next season, he is still playing at a high level. Seumalo ranked second among all guards with a 96.9% pass block win rate this season."

Over the past three seasons with the Steelers, he has made 44 starts and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024. This past season, he appeared in 770 offensive snaps, committing zero penalties and allowing three sacks.

Pro Football Focus gave Seumalo an overall grade of 74.9 (12th/81 guards) and a pass blocking grade of 78.5 (4th/81 guards).

Before Pittsburgh, he spent seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. During their playoff run in 2017 that led to a Super Bowl victory, he appeared in all three games.

Spotrac predicts that Seumalo's market value could earn him a three-year, $28.82 million contract. The Steelers may be reluctant to give the veteran a deal worth $9.6 million annually.

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

More must-reads: