At a Glance
- Mike Tomlin steps down after 19 seasons without a single losing record
- 193-114-2 regular-season mark, one Super Bowl title, eight AFC North crowns
- Seven straight playoff losses since 2016 AFC Championship exit
- Why it matters: Steelers join eight other teams hunting for a new head coach
Mike Tomlin informed the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday that he is leaving the only NFL head-coaching post he has ever held, ending a tenure that began in 2007 and produced unmatched consistency but recent postseason frustration.
Decision Day
“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Tomlin said in a statement released by the team.
The announcement came roughly 24 hours after a 30-6 wild-card defeat in Houston closed the Steelers’ 2025 campaign. Tomlin met with president Art Rooney II on Tuesday to deliver the news personally.
Rooney said Tomlin told him of the choice “during our meeting today,” adding, “Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years.”
A Record of Consistency
Tomlin’s run featured several historic benchmarks:
- No losing seasons in 19 tries
- 13 playoff appearances
- Eight AFC North titles
- Super Bowl XLIII championship in 2008
- Second Super Bowl appearance in 2010
He exits with a 193-114-2 regular-season record and an 8-12 postseason mark. The streak of non-losing seasons is an NFL record for a head coach’s first 19 years.
Rooney highlighted the feat: “His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated.”
Postseason Slump
Success in January proved elusive of late. The Steelers have:
- Dropped seven consecutive playoff games dating to the 2016 AFC Championship
- Lost the last five by double digits, an NFL first
- Been outscored 158-55 over those five defeats
This year’s squad needed dramatics just to extend the streak. A Tyler Loop missed field goal on the final play of Week 18 against Baltimore gave the Steelers a 26-24 victory and the division crown. Aaron Rodgers, in his first season with the team, guided the offense before the wild-card exit in Houston.
Contract Situation
Tomlin had two years remaining on his deal. Because he is resigning rather than retiring, Pittsburgh retains his coaching rights and would receive compensation if he takes another NFL job in 2025 or beyond.
Coaching Carousel
The Steelers become the ninth franchise with a head-coach opening, joining:
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Giants
- Tennessee Titans
- Atlanta Falcons
- Arizona Cardinals
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Miami Dolphins
Pittsburgh has employed only three head coaches since 1969: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Tomlin.
Gratitude and Pride
Tomlin thanked the Rooney family for “their trust and support,” players “who gave everything they had every day,” and coaches and staff “whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.”
He closed his statement by saying, “While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh.”
Rooney echoed the appreciation: “My family and I, and everyone connected to Steelers management, are forever grateful for the passion and dedication Mike Tomlin has devoted to Steelers football.”
Key Takeaways
- Tomlin’s 19-year run is the second-longest active coaching tenure in the NFL
- His .629 regular-season winning percentage ranks 11th all-time among coaches with 150-plus victories
- The seven straight playoff losses represent the longest active drought in the league
- Pittsburgh will now search for only its fourth head coach in 56 years
