Mike Tomlin would make outrageous demand to return as NFL coach with next role already lined up

A Week 18 showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens will decide the winner of the AFC North.

It could also decide the future of the NFL‘s longest-tenured active head coach.

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Mike Tomlin has been with the Steelers since 2007.

He led them to Super Bowl XLIII glory two years later, and rather impressively, has never logged a losing season.

But for all the good work he has done in Pittsburgh, there is speculation that 2025 could be Tomlin’s last.

The Steelers are perennial playoff contenders, having made seven appearances in the last 10 years, yet they have not won a postseason game since January 2017.

Sunday night’s showdown with the Ravens carries major implications, as the winner will move onto the playoffs, while the loser’s season will end.

According to longtime NFL reporter Tony Pauline, the result could decide Tomlin’s future, too.

Mike Tomlin tipped to make huge demand over NFL coaching return

Writing for Essentially Sports, Pauline noted that ahead of the season, some within the Steelers franchise ‘expected 2025 to be the final year’ for both Tomlin and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Should their season end on Sunday, Pittsburgh’s head coach could choose to step back in 2026 to assess his options.

“Unlike the Ravens, no one told me they believed the Steelers could make a run through the playoffs to Super Bowl LX,” Pauline wrote.

“Several told me they believe Tomlin could choose to take the season off in 2026 if the Steelers are knocked out of the playoffs by the Ravens on Sunday, then potentially return to coaching in 2027 if he receives the right offer.”

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The right offer, it seems, would need to satisfy a big demand from Tomlin.

Pauline added: “There was no speculation as to who Tomlin would coach in 2027 if, in fact, he sits on the sidelines next season.

“Though I am told he would be looking for an ownership stake to return.”

NFL’s longest-tenured HC linked with new role for 2026 season

Should Tomlin step back from the Steelers with a loss to the Ravens on Sunday, fans could still see plenty of him next year.

“If Tomlin chooses retirement, look for him to sign a contract with FOX as a game analyst in 2026,” Pauline’s report concluded.

Tomlin’s 19th season in Pittsburgh has been turbulent, despite that winning record being confirmed once again.

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A month ago, fans inside Acrisure Stadium were calling for his head amid a heavy loss to the Buffalo Bills.

But his team responded with three-straight wins, and now have a chance to win their division — and secure a playoff spot — in Week 18.

As it stands, Tomlin’s contract has one year remaining on it, with a team option for a second that must be triggered by March 1 — a date that has already been circled by some NFL insiders.

But if the Steelers are beaten in Sunday’s finale, fans could see Tomlin in the FOX studio, rather than on the sideline in 2026.

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