Battle of the networks: Where should former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin land in 2026?

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin may be a step closer to his next chapter.

Front Office Sports recently reported that Tomlin has secured representation as he surveys opportunities across the NFL media landscape. 

If Tomlin lands an analyst role, where would he fit best? 

Below, we rank the top five destinations — ending with our top choice.

5. Amazon Prime

Tomlin would bring a valuable coaching perspective to a traveling studio setup that includes former quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, tight end Tony Gonzalez, cornerback Richard Sherman and offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth.

Still, does Amazon really need five analysts and postgame host Charissa Thompson on set?

But Tomlin shouldn't be relegated to a streaming-only platform. The Super Bowl-winning coach should have a wider audience.

4. CBS

CBS has an opening in its studio show with Matt Ryan's departure to join the Atlanta Falcons front office, but it would be a bit strange for the network to have two former Steelers coaches, Tomlin and Bill Cowher, at its desk. 

The better option would be jettisoning Tony Romo to New York for pre- and post-game coverage while partnering Tomlin with Jim Nantz, although that comes with a problem of its own. What if, after a season, Tomlin decides to return to coaching?

According to earlier offseason reports, that may be less likely than initially thought, but it can't be ruled out. An even better idea for CBS, then, would be to go ahead and name Ian Eagle and J.J. Watt as the network's lead broadcasting duo.

3. ESPN/NFL Network

The Worldwide Leader in Sports and the league's flagship network are under one roof after the U.S. government approved the merger in February. The NFL Network will remain its own thing, but expect appearances from personalities across channels. 

Landing Tomlin would add enormous weight, but where exactly would he fit? Rex Ryan and Steve Mariucci already hold the former coach role on the two networks' respective Sunday pregame shows.

One possibility would be joining ESPN's "Monday Night Football" coverage. Tomlin would be a huge asset for the network's coverage of the next Super Bowl, its first as the lead broadcast network.

2. Fox

Following Jimmy Johnson's 2025 retirement, "Fox NFL Sunday" still lacks a former head coach, which could make the network eager to discuss a future, no matter how brief, with Tomlin.

But like in the case of Amazon, that would lead to a crowded situation, with Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Rob Gronkowski already commanding attention, although perhaps Tomlin could take Gronkowski's spot.

1. NBC

The Peacock shelved Tony Dungy after 17 years as it revamps its "Football Night In America" pre-game show. The Athletic also reported that deals with NBC personalities Rodney Harrison, Devin McCourty, Jason Garrett and Chris Simms expired following Super Bowl LX, giving NBC a chance for a nearly complete overhaul. Tomlin would be a splash hire to pair with star host Maria Taylor.