One week after the second-longest coaching tenure in the NFL came to an end, the longest coaching tenure came to a close with the announcement ofMike Tomlin stepping down as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach.
After 19 years leading the Steelers and never finishing with a losing record, it was announced on Tuesday morning that head coach Mike Tomlin would be stepping away from the team of his own volition. It was made known that Tomlin was not fired, and this decision was his.
Of course, with news like this comes plenty of reaction, and they've poured in on social media from players and even owners. Baltimore Ravensowner Steve Bisciotti couldn't believe the news when he received itin real time while speaking in front of the media.
blindsiding the Ravens owner at his press conference about hiring a new head coach, to tell him Mike Tomlin is out in Pittsburgh:"Holy Shit! Is that official?"pic.twitter.com/LvjcDwynzz
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball)January 13, 2026
Others have posted their support for Tomlin's decision via social media, whether they played for coach T or not.
A lot of respect for coach T 💯… great coach and always made the best of your cards which most other coaches make excuseshttps://t.co/896ORWLT02
— LeSean Shady Mccoy (@CutonDime25)January 13, 2026
go to where your celebrated Coach T 🫡
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell)January 13, 2026
Many of Tomlin's former players are showing support, and even those who may have left on less than good terms show the amount of respect he's earned around the league.
Mike Tomlin to the Ravens 🐦⬛
— AB (@AB84)January 13, 2026
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell)January 13, 2026
Coach Tomlin walks away from the Steelers tied with Chuck Noll for the lead in regular-season wins with 193. In his 19 seasons coaching Pittsburgh, Tomlin posted a 193-114 record. Tomlin's team's finished above .500 in 16 out of 19 seasons. Pittsburgh also won eight AFC North titles during Tomlin's tenure.
so quick to wanna be 4-13, I just don't get it
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell)January 13, 2026
Whether Tomlin decides to continue coaching or takes a break is unknown, but if he throws his name in the hat for any of these current openings, he'd be a prime candidate based on his resume.
