Tomlin Could Return to Coaching Via NFL

Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin reportedly could leave his NBC broadcasting job to coach again, with the Dallas Cowboys mentioned as a possible destination.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Football

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Mike Tomlin, who stepped down as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach in 2026 and took a broadcasting job with NBC, reportedly could return to coaching. His NBC contract permits an NFL coaching return, though no official offer has been made.

Why it matters

Tomlin is expected to be in high demand as an NFL head coaching candidate in the coming months, and any team with an opening is likely to consider him at the top of its list. His availability could reshape coaching searches around the league.

Tomlin posted 193 regular-season wins, 114 losses and two ties as Steelers head coach, never recording a losing season. His Steelers teams went 8-12 in the postseason, and his NBC contract reportedly permits an NFL return.

The players

Mike Tomlin

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach who guided the franchise for 19 seasons and is now a broadcaster with NBC, reportedly open to a return to coaching.

Dallas Cowboys

NFL franchise that has been mentioned as a possible destination for Tomlin, currently led by second-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

The details

Tomlin said he loves to coach and has learned never to say never about returning to the NFL. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti joked about Tomlin as a candidate after Tomlin pounded his chest in celebration when a Ravens kicker missed a field goal.

2026: Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach.
September 2026: Tomlin said he loves to coach and never says never about returning.
Coming months: Tomlin is expected to be in high demand as a head coaching candidate.

Season Trajectory

Tomlin's 19 seasons in Pittsburgh produced 193 regular-season wins and a streak of non-losing seasons that ran 21 years, a benchmark shaping how teams now weigh veteran coaches. A Tomlin return would immediately alter the head coaching market for teams with openings this offseason.

A Tomlin hire would change the coaching carousel for teams with openings, affecting who fantasy managers and bettors watch closely. Teams with vacancies will be weighing his availability as the offseason approaches.

The takeaway

Veteran head coaches with long track records remain highly valued in the NFL, and Tomlin's availability could make him the most sought-after candidate of the coming cycle. Fans should watch which teams with openings move quickly to pursue him.