The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL NEWS: Mike Tomlin steps down as Steelers head coach after 19 seasons
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Jan 13, 2026 Mike Tomlin's surprising resignation after 19 seasons as head coach of the Steelers prompts a deep dive into the implications for the team. Discussion centers around necessary changes for a struggling roster and playoff disappointments. The hosts outline potential future paths for Pittsburgh, from a youth movement to strategic draft picks. The differences between Tomlin and other coaches, like Harbaugh, are analyzed, along with potential hiring strategies that might bring a fresh perspective to the team.
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News Followed Immediate Playoff Exit
- Robert Mays recounts covering the playoff loss and the sudden news of Tomlin stepping down the next day.
- That juxtaposition made the coaching change feel sudden but consistent with recent coverage they had discussed.
Step Back Enables Organizational Reset
- Mike Tomlin stepping down frees the Steelers to reset an organization stuck in repeated postseason collapses.
- Both Tomlin and the Steelers can benefit from a fresh start that better aligns roster timeline and coaching direction.
Graceful Exit Preserves Future Options
- Tomlin stepping down appears voluntary rather than a firing, creating a likely path to a media role and a future return to coaching.
- That exit preserves relationships and keeps open the possibility of Tomlin coaching again down the line.