The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially in the market for a new head coach.
The Steelers confirmed on Tuesday that head coach Mike Tomlin is stepping down, which will lead to the team hiring just its fourth head coach since 1969.
"During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our Head Coach," Steelers president Art Rooney wrote. "Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years."
Here's the latest on what could be next for Tomlin.
What's next for Mike Tomlin?
While Tomlin would be highly-coveted by teams looking for a new head coach, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that the expectation in league circles is Tomlin is going to take a year off and could do television while away from the game.
"The belief in league circles is Mike Tomlin will do media for at least one season, like his predecessor Bill Cowher," Schultz reported. "All options will be available to him after next season."
According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, Tomlin is going to have plenty of TV opportunities, with FOX Sports, ESPN, NBC and CBS all expected to have interest in bringing him aboard.
"If Tomlin wants to pursue a career in television, Fox Sports, ESPN, NBC and CBS all will have interest, according to sources briefed on their thinking," he reported. "Fox Sports has not replaced Jimmy Johnson on its NFL Sunday show, while ESPN is gearing up for its Super Bowl coverage next season. NBC Sports may make changes to its pregame show after next month's Super Bowl, while CBS' 'NFL Today' lost Matt Ryan to the Atlanta Falcons President's job. Amazon Prime Video does not have any openings on its Thursday Night Football show, but can't be entirely ruled out."
Marchand goes on to add that FOX is considered the favorite to hire Tomlin.
Because Tomlin is stepping down and wasn't fired by the team, the Steelers still hold his contract rights, so he would have to be acquired via trade when he does decide to coach again.
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