Following another one-and-done playoff run from the Pittsburgh Steelers, calls are mounting for the franchise to part ways with head coach Mike Tomlin after 18 seasons.
The Super Bowl XLIII-winning coach has lost six consecutive postseason games dating back to the 2016 AFC Championship Game, and the Steelers are stuck in the NFL’s dreaded middle-tier, not horrible enough to end the season with a potentially franchise-altering top NFL Draft pick or good enough to be the last team standing.
Below, we rank Tomlin’s potential 2025 coaching destinations — the five current openings after the Patriots hired Mike Vrabel, plus the Steelers and Cowboys, who have yet to re-sign head coach Mike McCarthy, making him available to coach elsewhere next season.
7. New Orleans Saints
It would best suit Pittsburgh to seek a trade involving Tomlin instead of firing him. He’s an asset who the Steelers could get strong value for. Under the premise that any team hiring Tomlin as its next head coach must trade for him, that should exclude the Saints from being a possibility.
New Orleans has the draft capital to make a trade work, but with the team at an estimated $52.3 million over the salary cap and $48.4 million in dead money, the Saints need those draft picks for players, not a coach.
6. Chicago Bears
The Bears need an offensive-minded coach to get the most out of quarterback Caleb Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick. For all of Tomlin’s strengths, offense isn’t one of them. Chicago would almost certainly see an improvement in the win-loss column, but it would come at the expense of maximizing its talented quarterback.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
We’re entering the territory of teams that could realistically trade for Tomlin. The Raiders are directionless after firing their head coach, Antonio Pierce, and general manager, Tom Telesco, last week. The team has reportedly expressed interest in coaxing Bill Belichick away from North Carolina, where he recently signed a five-year, $50 million contract to become the Tar Heels head coach.
Tomlin would instantly legitimize one of the league’s most unserious franchises. Las Vegas would still have several holes, most prominently at quarterback, but acquiring Tomlin would be an excellent start.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
That grass isn’t always greener. As disappointing as Pittsburgh was down the stretch, losing its last five games, it was a miracle the team was even 10-3 to begin with.
It would be foolish to lose sight of the phenomenal job Tomlin’s done with the Steelers. He’s never had a losing record, and that includes having Kenny Pickett as his starting quarterback for two seasons. The man deserves a lifetime contract.
But that’s not how the NFL works, especially a franchise as storied as the Steelers. As perfect of a fit as Tomlin is in Pittsburgh, no one would fault the two sides for parting ways.
3. New York Jets
If the Jets want a coach who will keep quarterback Aaron Rodgers in line, it should bypass ESPN analyst Rex Ryan and put in an offer for Tomlin. The no-nonsense head coach would put an end to Rodgers’ free rein in New York, requiring him to fall in line or fall out.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have one of the league’s worst secondaries. As one of the league’s best defensive-minded coaches, Tomlin would likely turn the unit around. Jacksonville has intriguing offensive personnel, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., but won’t go anywhere until it solves its defensive issues. Tomlin would be an ace hire.
1. Dallas Cowboys
How about this for chaos? The Cowboys and Steelers, one of the most iconic NFL rivalries, working together to send Tomlin to Dallas. We love the fit of Tomlin with the Cowboys.
Dallas won 36 games from 2021-23 and has several of the same players who led the team to those successful seasons, including quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and edge Micah Parsons.
If Dallas doesn’t re-hire McCarthy, it must be certain it has an upgrade in place. Tomlin fits the bill.
