Mike Tomlin’s Blunt Message About Steelers Future Amid TV Role Rumors

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ postseason run ended early after they suffered a 30–6 blowout loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card round.

Pittsburgh’s offense managed just 175 total yards, the fewest in a playoff game for the franchise since 1947, per ESPN Research. Houston, meanwhile, racked up 408 yards and outgained the Steelers by 233 yards while scoring two defensive touchdowns in the fourth quarter alone.

With the loss, the Steelers extended their playoff drought to nine seasons without a win and have now put together seven straight postseason defeats.

As expected, head coach Mike Tomlin was asked afterward if he had given any thought to his future with the organization.

“I’m not even in that mindset as I sit here tonight,” Tomlin said. “I’m more in the mindset of what transpired in this stadium and certainly what we did and didn’t do.”

Tomlin offered no elaboration on his plans and made it clear that big-picture questions weren’t his focus shortly after the loss to the Texans.

“Not a big-picture mentality as I sit here tonight,” Tomlin said.

Now 19 seasons into his tenure with the Steelers, Tomlin’s future will be a topic of discussion following years of early playoff exits after the Super Bowl XLIII

Tomlin is under contract through the 2027 season, though the franchise has a decision due by March 1 on a club option to retain or let him go ahead of the final year of his deal.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, a source “believes Tomlin would be more intrigued by doing TV than returning to the coaching market, should he leave the Steelers.”

Added Fowler: “The source wonders what Tomlin has left to chase as an NFL coach could have an offer in hand for a television job in 2026, though no formal announcement has been made.”

Tomlin has led Pittsburgh to 10 playoff appearances but none past the Wild Card round since 2016.