Some within NFL think Steelers' Mike Tomlin could make this decision after 2025 season

Whispers about the Pittsburgh Steelers possibly firing head coach Mike Tomlin in January have quieted down after Pittsburgh earned a 27-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 7 that improved the Steelers to 7-6 and gave them sole possession of first place in the AFC North standings. 

Nevertheless, NFL insider James Palmer suggested during a Wednesday live stream on Bleacher Report's YouTube page that Tomlin may be ready to take a break from coaching after the Steelers play their final game of the season. 

Is Mike Tomlin planning on stepping away from Steelers? 

"I wouldn't weigh out the possibility of him taking a year off, kind of like Mike Vrabel," Palmer said about Tomlin, per Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. "...Ended up being a consultant with the Browns for a year and kind of did everything in that building before landing [the New England Patriots] job."

The three-year contract extension Tomlin signed in June 2024 includes a team option for 2027 that must be decided on by March 1, 2026. While he has given no indication via his words or actions that he will voluntarily leave the Steelers this coming winter, he has been in his role since 2007. 

Meanwhile, a story from this past February noted that Tomlin could be "the next $100M NFL TV analyst" for one of the league's top media partners. It's unknown if he would have any interest in accepting such a job in 2026. 

NFL people think Mike Tomlin looks...

"I could see Tomlin taking a breather," Palmer continued. "Some people around the league believe he just looks tired. And potentially going into the media for a year. I think everybody would have him, in all honesty. I can kind of see that being the case, what happens with Mike Tomlin."

As Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot shared, NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic said earlier in December that Tomlin is "tired" but "still has the love of football in him." It remains to be seen if that alleged fatigue will impact whether or not he stays with the Steelers through the upcoming offseason. 

For now, Tomlin is preparing the Steelers to host the 6-7 Miami Dolphins this coming Monday night. As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Pittsburgh as a three-point favorite for that game.