Mike Tomlin leaves the Pittsburgh Steelers: What's next for the Super Bowl-winning head coach?

On Tuesday afternoon, Mike Tomlin informed Pittsburgh Steelers players that he would be stepping down after 19 seasons one day after losing 30-6 to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.

"This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team," he said. "I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.

"I want to also thank Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team."

During his time with the Steelers, Tomlin's record, including the playoffs, was 201-126-2. He was the longest tenured coach in North American sports. In his 19-year tenure, the 53-year-old Tomlin led the Steelers to the playoffs 13 times, won seven divisions, won Super Bowl XLIII in his second season at the age of 36, went to the Super Bowl the following year in a losing effort to the Green Bay Packers and never coached a losing season. 

Tomlin signed a contract extension that could have kept him with the Steelers through the 2027 season as the team held the option for the final year. And since he's still under contract, the Steelers hold onto his coaching rights and would be able to negotiate a deal if a team wants to hire him before the expiration of the deal.

What will Tomlin do next?

DAZN News gives options as to what Tomlin could do next.

TV Analyst

This is the most likely option for Tomlin. 

Every NFL media outlet will want Tomlin because he's bright and very articulate. Outlets that don't have openings would create one for Tomlin if he wants to go into the broadcasting realm. Do I see him calling games? No, but being behind a desk would suit Tomlin to a tee. 

With anything, it's going to come down to money and freedom. Who's going to supply that for Tomlin? That's the multi-million dollar question in what will surely be a hot pursuit and plenty of Brinks trucks coming to Tomlin's doorstep.

Coaching

The coaching bug is a hard thing to shake. It's like riding a bicycle to where you never want to get and keep enjoying the ride. It's hard to see after the rigors of 19 years that Tomlin wouldn't want to take a breather, collect his thoughts, and take a bit of rest. 

The temptation of a big bag of cash would likely be more than broadcasting, so you can never say never. 

Nothing

While this is the least likely option of them all, it is one that still has to be considered. Sitting at home, doing nothing, and collecting a paycheck isn't a bad way to live for the next couple of years. Is Tomlin that type of guy? He isn't, but sometimes a little bit of relaxation never hurt anybody.

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