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Mike Tomlin Announces Retirement After 21 Seasons As Steelers Head Coach

Pittsburgh, PA. - Mike Tomlin, the longest-tenured head coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history and one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, announced his retirement Tuesday after 21 seasons leading the franchise.

Tomlin finishes his career with a 223-118-2 regular season record, 18 winning seasons, a 14-13 playoff record, and two Super Bowl championships. He never posted a losing season in his 21 years at the helm—the longest active streak in the NFL and tied for third-longest in league history.

"After much reflection and countless conversations with my family, I've decided it's time to step away from coaching," Tomlin said during an emotional press conference at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "This has been the honor of my lifetime, but I know in my heart that this is the right time."

Fighting back tears, Tomlin addressed the organization, city, and fans who supported him for more than two decades.

"When I arrived in Pittsburgh in 2007, I was a 34-year-old kid who had never been a head coach at any level. The Rooney family believed in me when they had no reason to. They gave me the keys to one of the most storied franchises in professional sports and said, 'Don't mess it up.'"

The room erupted in laughter, though Tomlin's voice cracked with emotion.

"I'd like to think I didn't mess it up too badly."

Tomlin paused, composing himself before continuing.

"This city has given me everything. My family has made Pittsburgh our home. My children grew up here. I became a man here. The relationships I've built—with players, coaches, staff, and the fans—these are bonds that will last forever."

He singled out Steelers president Art Rooney II and the entire Rooney family for their unwavering support.

"The Rooney family doesn't just own a football team. They care about people. They care about doing things the right way. They stood by me through the highs and lows, and I will be forever grateful for their faith in me."

Tomlin's tenure was defined by consistency, toughness, and an unwavering commitment to competing at the highest level. His "the standard is the standard" philosophy became synonymous with Steelers football, emphasizing accountability and excellence regardless of circumstances.

"I'm most proud of the fact that we never gave up. We never tanked. We never took a year off," Tomlin said. "Every single season, we came to work expecting to compete for championships. That's what this organization deserves. That's what this city deserves."

Under Tomlin, the Steelers made the playoffs 13 times, won six AFC North division titles, and reached five AFC Championship Games. He won Super Bowl XLIII in his second season, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23, and returned to Super Bowl XLV the following year before falling to the Green Bay Packers.

After years of playoff disappointment, Tomlin led the Steelers back to the mountaintop in 2026, capturing Super Bowl LXI with a thrilling victory behind two-time MVP Anthony Richardson. His final season ended in heartbreak—a 30-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LXII after coming agonizingly close to repeating as champions.

"Losing that last game hurts," Tomlin admitted. "But I'm so proud of what we accomplished these last two years. We showed the world that this organization still knows how to win championships. That's something I'll carry with me forever."

Tomlin's impact extended far beyond wins and losses. He was known as a players' coach—demanding but fair, tough but compassionate. His ability to connect with players across generations, from Ben Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown to T.J. Watt to Anthony Richardson, was a hallmark of his coaching style.

"Coach Tomlin changed my life," Richardson said in a statement Tuesday. "He believed in me when I needed it most, gave me a second chance, and helped me become the player and man I am today. I owe him everything."

Watt, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year under Tomlin, echoed those sentiments.

"He's more than a coach. He's a mentor, a friend, and someone I'll always look up to. The standard he set for this organization will live on long after he's gone."

Former players flooded social media with tributes throughout the day. Wide receiver Antonio Brown, despite a tumultuous end to his time in Pittsburgh, posted: "Love him or hate him, Tomlin is a LEGEND. Thank you for everything, Coach T."

Tomlin, 55, said the decision to retire was not made lightly. He consulted extensively with his wife, Kiya, and their three children before reaching his conclusion.

"My family has sacrificed so much for this job," Tomlin said. "The late nights, the missed birthdays, the constant scrutiny—they've endured it all with grace. I owe them this time. I owe them the chance to have a husband and father who isn't consumed by football 365 days a year."

He also acknowledged the physical and emotional toll of more than two decades on the sideline.

"This job demands everything you have. And I've given everything I have. I don't have regrets, but I also know that I can't give this organization what it needs moving forward. It's time for fresh blood, new ideas, and a new voice."

Tomlin insisted he was not being pushed out and that the decision was entirely his own.

"Art Rooney made it very clear he wanted me to stay. But I know when it's time. And it's time."

Tomlin retires as one of only seven coaches in NFL history with at least two Super Bowl victories. His .653 career winning percentage ranks among the top 20 all-time, and his streak of 21 consecutive winning seasons is unmatched in the modern era.

But his legacy extends beyond statistics. He broke barriers as one of the youngest head coaches in NFL history and one of the few Black head coaches to win a Super Bowl. He carried himself with dignity and class, navigating controversies and criticisms with poise.

"I hope people remember that I tried to do things the right way," Tomlin said. "I wasn't perfect. I made mistakes. But I always tried to represent this organization and this city with honor."

He closed his press conference with a message to Steelers fans.

"To the greatest fans in professional sports: Thank you. Thank you for your passion, your loyalty, and your support. You made every home game feel like a war. You made me feel like I was part of something bigger than myself. I am forever a Pittsburgher, and I am forever grateful."

Tomlin stepped away from the podium to a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. He waved to the crowd, wiped away tears, and walked out of the room—his coaching career complete.

Tomlin did not rule out remaining in football in some capacity, whether in broadcasting, a front office role, or mentoring young coaches. But for now, he said, he plans to step away entirely.

"I'm going to sleep in. I'm going to watch my kids' games without worrying about game film. I'm going to enjoy life for a while. After that? We'll see."

The Steelers will begin their search for Tomlin's replacement immediately. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin are expected to be among the candidates considered, along with several external candidates. Sources close to the organization have reported that GM Omar Khan would prefer a "fresh face" to lead the next generation of Steelers, rather than a coach with previous head coach experience.

Art Rooney II released a statement praising Tomlin's contributions: "Mike Tomlin is a Pittsburgh Steeler for life. His impact on this organization, this city, and the game of football cannot be overstated. He set a standard of excellence that will guide us for generations to come. We wish him and his family nothing but the best."

The Standard is the Standard. And Mike Tomlin's standard will endure in Pittsburgh forever.