Mike Tomlin’s exit was unexpected as Steelers begin rare coaching search, team president says

NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis joins Colin Cowherd to discuss the Pittsburgh Steelers, including Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers.

Mike Tomlin’s decision to step away after a blowout AFC wild-card loss pushed the Steelers into an uncharacteristic coaching search.

Tomlin did not specify a reason for stepping away in a statement released Tuesday, but he thanked owner Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Dan Rooney for their trust over nearly two decades. 

"While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh," Tomlin said in the statement.

Rooney II and Omar Khan will oversee the coaching search. Rooney called Tomlin’s decision unexpected but not surprising.

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Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II and head coach Mike Tomlin before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome Dec 23, 2018, in New Orleans. (Chuck Cook/USA Today Sports)

"It was his decision, and I will say that I wasn’t shocked, but I wasn’t expecting that conversation yesterday either," Rooney said. "I was certainly willing to take another run at it next year with Mike, and that was what I was expecting to talk about yesterday, but it went in another direction."

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Tomlin has two years left on his Steelers contract, and any team seeking to hire him before 2027 would need to compensate Pittsburgh. Rooney acknowledged the slim prospects of Tomlin coaching later this year and provided additional context on his departure,