The Ringer Fantasy Football Show Mike Tomlin Steps Down! Steelers' Next Steps, and Hottest Coaches Available.
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Jan 14, 2026 The hosts delve into the emotional impact of Mike Tomlin stepping down after 19 years, celebrating his unique legacy in Pittsburgh. They explore the reasons behind the need for change and its significance in the NFL, pondering where Tomlin might head next—coaching or broadcasting. They also analyze the Steelers' struggles in the playoffs, evaluate potential candidates to replace Tomlin, and discuss the evolving landscape of coaching dynamics in the league. It's a captivating look at how a coaching era comes to a close.
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Remarkable Consistency, Stagnant Results
- Mike Tomlin never had a losing season in 19 years, which established an extraordinary floor for the Steelers.
- That sustained competitiveness coexisted with recurring playoff failure, creating a sense of organizational stagnation.
Tomlin As Mentor And Floor-Raiser
- Craig described Tomlin as the quintessential coach and a mentor who cared about players' lives.
- He emphasized Tomlin's role as a floor-raiser even amid recent criticism and playoff drought.
Longevity Can Mask Needed Renewal
- Longevity breeds familiarity that can become stale without new ideas or personnel upgrades.
- The Steelers sustained competitiveness but failed to build a Super Bowl-caliber offense post-Roethlisberger.
