Steelers HC Mike Tomlin’s hat just got thrown into the ring of coaching candidates following shocking firing in college football
Mike Tomlin’s name is back in the mix following the firing of Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore.
Just last week, Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger made headlines when he suggested that the Penn State Nittany Lions look into Mike Tomlin as the next head coach of the famous program. Soon after, the Nittany Lions ended up hiring Matt Campbell, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers beat the Baltimore Ravens, and the noise quieted down.
Then, just when it looked like the drama that was the 2025 coaching carousel was over, the most shocking move of all came down. The Michigan Wolverines fired head coach Sherrone Moore with cause, creating an opening at one of the most illustrious programs in the history of the sport. That has created discussion among those who might be available, including Mike Tomlin.
CBS Sports floats Mike Tomlin’s name as a candidate for Michigan Wolverines head coaching job
The Cover 3 podcast on CBS Sports listed a name of coaching candidates for the vacant head coaching job at Michigan and you guessed it, Mike Tomlin’s name was near the top. To preface the possibility of Tomlin to college, we must first recall his viral quote when there were openings at USC and LSU a few years back.
“Hey guys, I don’t have time for that speculation. I mean, that’s a joke to me. I got one of the best jobs in all of professional sport. Why would I have any interest in coaching college football?” Tomlin said when asked back in 2021. “And that will be the last time I will address it. Not only today, but moving forward. Never say never. But never. OK? There’s not a booster with a big enough check.”
But 2025 is not 2021. The Steelers have experienced as much turbulence this year as I can remember, and there was talk last year that Mike Tomlin could be looking for a new job. Insert the quote from his former QB and some contract details, and taking one of the biggest jobs in sports isn’t so far-fetched, even if it is college.
“Maybe it’s a clean-house time. Maybe it’s time,” Big Ben said on his podcast Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger via Channel Seven on YouTube. “I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin, but maybe it’s best for him, too.”
“Maybe a fresh start for him is what’s best. Whether that’s in the pros, maybe go be Penn State’s head coach. You know what he would do in Penn State? He would probably go win national championships, because he’s a great recruiter.”
What has flown under the radar with the Steelers and Tomlin is that a choice on his future will be made this spring. Barring a sudden retirement, Tomlin will be back in 2026. However, Art Rooney and the rest of the Steelers brass have to sit down this offseason and make a decision on whether or not Tomlin will coach on his option in 2027.
Meaning a split could happen as soon as this time next year, or even sooner if Tomlin were to entertain the Michigan job. To get a bead on why Michigan would be interested in Tomlin, I spoke with Adam Holt, who covers college football for A to Z Sports.
Why Mike Tomlin makes sense for Michigan
“For Michigan, you have to think this is a stability hire for them. This is the second coaching situation in a row that ended with some sort of drama involved in some capacity. That’s why some sort of proven coach, whether at the college or NFL level, makes a ton of sense. You cannot go out and make a risky hire – or one connected to someone with any sort of ties to anything peculiar when it comes to trouble with the NCAA, NFL, or off the field.”
“With that, Tomlin checks plenty of boxes. While he hasn’t been engrained in college football recruiting, there is little doubt in my mind that he would find success in pitching his staff and program to high school players or transfer portal targets. He’s a Super Bowl winning leader that has helped develop some elite professional talent – all while being one of the most well-respected men in coaching circles. Even if he’s not the betting favorite, the Wolverines brass should have the Steelers HC on their radar.” – Holt
We’ll see if Mike Tomlin has Michigan on his radar.
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