The interest level inMike Tomlin's services is high among NFL teamslooking for a new head coach, but the former Pittsburgh Steelers coach reportedly doesn't plan to be on a sideline next season.
According toNFL Network's Ian Rapoport, teams that have inquired about speaking with Tomlin about their openings have been told that he does not plan to coach next season.
The 53-year-old Tomlin isn't free to move to a new team, however. SinceTomlin resigned with two years left on his contract, the Steelers retain his rights. That means any team interested in hiring himwould have to give up draft-pick compensation.
A similar situation last happened in 2023, when theDenver Broncos sent the New Orleans Saints a 2023 first-round draft pick and a second-round pick in 2024for Sean Payton's rights.
Tomlin's contract reportedly features a no-trade clause, which would allow him to dictate where he could be dealt.
If Tomlin does sit out 2026, he will have suitors in the TV world. Fox Sports, ESPN, NBC and CBS are interested,according to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, who pointed out that Fox Sports has not replaced Jimmy Johnson on "Fox NFL Sunday," and CBS' "NFL Today"just lost Matt Ryan to the Atlanta Falcons' president of football position.
