In the wake of the Steelers' disappointing one-and-done postseason performance, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk quickly reported that the team is "not planning" to make a coaching change.
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While that statement may sound reassuring for now, the choice of words is key. "Not planning" leaves the door slightly ajar, suggesting that plans can evolve. So, what could change their stance on the future of Mike Tomlin?
Florio offers a potential scenario: an offer they can't refuse. The idea is based on the widespread belief that Tomlin would immediately land another head coaching job if he chose to pursue one. Given his impressive track record, why not trade him for significant value?
The caveat here, however, is that coaches cannot be traded in the same way players can. If another team were interested in hiring Tomlin, the process would involve a call to the Steelers, followed by negotiations on compensation, if the Steelers were open to a deal. If both sides could reach an agreement, the new team could then negotiate with Tomlin to finalize a contract. But if no deal is struck, no trade happens.
A more practical approach, Florio suggests, would be for a team to gauge through back channels whether Tomlin would have interest in moving elsewhere. If Tomlin's response is "no thanks," then the opportunity vanishes, as the Steelers would be stuck with their coach.
Why would Tomlin agree to a trade in the first place? Florio notes that Tomlin could simply decline, potentially forcing the Steelers to reconsider their plans. If they were to fire him, he could immediately seek another job without the complication of the Steelers receiving compensation, or Tomlin could take a year off with pay, positioning himself for a highly desirable job in 2026.
What's particularly intriguing about the Steelers' statement is the careful wording of "not planning."
If the report had outright stated that no coaching change would happen, the situation would feel more definitive. Instead, it almost feels like a subtle opening for teams like the Jets, Bears, Saints, Jaguars, Raiders, and even the Cowboys, whose head coach Mike McCarthy's contract is expiring soon, to inquire about Tomlin's availability.
In the NFL, even the smallest hint of a possibility can set off a chain of events.
