Despite growing frustrations among the fanbase, many were still shocked when Mike Tomlin stepped down as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Like his AFC North counterpart, John Harbaugh, who was fired from the Baltimore Ravens, Tomlin would have likely been one of the most sought-after coaches available.
This has many wondering what Tomlin plans to do in 2026, and one NFL insider close to him weighed in.
What Is Former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Doing After Leaving the Team?
The Steelers are well known for their incredible loyalty; after all, Tomlin was only their third coach in more than 50 years. He spent 19 seasons in the Black and Gold, winning one Super Bowl and taking the team to a second. During those 19 years, he never had a non-winning season with the team.
However, football is a business measured by Lombardi Trophies, and the Steelers were used to winning them. They are currently tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins by a team with six, but that last one came in 2009, and the natives were restless.
Tomlin made a name for himself not just with his winning ways but with his acerbic but witty personality. While everyone loved his one-liners, he was notoriously tight-lipped during his press conferences. It is no secret that NFL insider Jay Glazer is good friends with Tomlin. While Tomlin was coaching, many found Glazer’s insights closer to the truth than those of other reporters.
Glazer recently joined Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward at the 2026 NFL Combine on his podcast, “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.” Heyward asked Glazer if he’s been in touch with Tomlin and what he is currently up to.
“I talked to him yesterday. The way to get in touch with him right now is through Kiya. He put his phone away. He’s in Georgia, and he’s like, ‘All I’m doing is hanging with Harley. Getting myself in shape. Working on my mental and physical health. And I am falling off the reservation for ages.'”
Tomlin and his wife, Kiya, met at the University of William and Mary when they were both students and have been married for 30 years. They have three children: Dino, Mason, and Harley. Their lone daughter, Harley, is a decorated gymnast at the University of Georgia.
Heyward went on to ask Glazer if he was surprised Tomlin chose to walk away.
“No. He told me and Ronde [Barber] two years ago. But if he says to us, ‘You can’t say s**t.’ I’m not saying s**t. But you know him, you never know for sure until it happens, right? I always do the coaches carousel and last week I say, ‘Hey, bro. What am I saying?’ and he goes, ‘Do not show my hand.’ So okay.”
Tomlin has been as close-mouthed about his future plans as he was about his on-field ones during his time in the NFL. There have been rumors that his goal is to become a member of the media
