The Pittsburgh Steelers are embarking on a new direction for the first time in almost two decades as Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach, and edge rusher Alex Highsmith was among those who were “shocked.”
The changing of the guard at Acrisure Stadium stands as one of the rare, nostalgic moments of how life always moves on, and Steelers players’ reactions to Tomlin’s resignation are a nod to that reality.
How did Highsmith react?
Alex Highsmith Reacts to Mike Tomlin Stepping Down as Steelers Head Coach
Super Bowl champion, AFC North champion, 193 regular-season wins as a head coach, Tomlin became like furniture in the 19 years he spent in the NFL. The legendary head coach has been in the league so long that he was watching from the sidelines as a defensive backs coach when Dwight Smith picked off Rich Gannon for a 50-yard touchdown to seal Super Bowl 37 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Understandably, when the Steelers icon hung up his headset after 19 years with the franchise, players, fans, and analysts were not only shocked but also emotional. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward’s emotions spoke volumes when the news broke, having spent the last 15 years playing for Tomlin.
Highsmith shared a similar sentiment, as he built a strong relationship with the veteran coach during his six years in the Steel City.
“He told us during our team meeting, and we were all shocked,” he said on the “Ross Tucker Podcast.” “Coach Tomlin is truly one of one. Just to be coached by him for six years was a blessing.”
“He told us in our team meeting and I think we were all in shock.”
“Everyone LOVES to be coached by him…it definitely hurt.”
Steelers LB Alex Highsmith discusses the departure of former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin: pic.twitter.com/XOtB80L3Ah— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) March 25, 2026
Highsmith was one of the handful of players whose careers began during the tough times of the COVID-19 pandemic. While he didn’t get to experience the stars and fireworks of arriving in the NFL like players usually do, his interactions with Tomlin stuck with him.
“I still remember my first Zoom [call],” he recalled. “I came out during COVID — 2020 was my draft year — and I remember having a Zoom call with him. That moment was so cool, ’cause I couldn’t do my top-30 visit because of COVID. Having that call with him was so cool, and then getting drafted, talking with him on the phone.”
Highsmith quickly turned into a full-time starter under Tomlin, tying for the league lead in forced fumbles in 2022 (5) while recording 14.5 sacks (PFSN EDGE Impact). He attributes his achievements and insights to the head coach who showed him the ropes in the NFL.
“I’m super grateful to him and the organization for giving me a chance,” he said. “He’s truly a player’s coach; everybody loved to be coached by him. It definitely hurt when he told us [he’s stepping down].
“We were all just in shock… Growing up, that’s all you know — Steelers is Coach Tomlin.”
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Life moves on.
The spirit of coach Tomlin’s glorious two decades in the building will forever linger as a glimmer of nostalgia among the rafters of Acrisure Stadium, a hat tip to a coach who proved hard work and ambition trump all.
