Steelers' ex-coach Mike Tomlin gets update on TV analyst role

Mike Tomlin is looking ahead at a 2026 NFL season that doesn't include being a head coach.

After essentially two decades at the helm of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tomlin stepped aside after the Steelers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

When that happened, speculation linked Tomlin to taking a job in broadcasting.

It's been reported in recent years that Tomlin is one of the top targets for network leaders. Because they get to sit in broadcast meetings with the head coach, they know how his mind works and how he articulates his thoughts.

Clearly, many people have come away impressed through the years, and so Tomlin seems to have an open invitation into NFL broadcasting if he wants it.

One problem, though.

"The No. 1 NFL TV studio target, former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, might be reluctant to enter TV," wrote The Athletic's Andrew Marchand in a new article on Wednesday.

Marchand didn't go into further detail as to why.

MORE: This QB may actually be the biggest prize of free agency

He was writing most of his article about Tony Dungy, who NBC is reportedly letting go from his role on their Sunday night pregame show after 17 years.

But he did delve into possible studio replacements, and Tomlin was the first name he discussed briefly.

Tomlin, as Marchand alludes, would be expected to be on a pregame and postgame studio show and not in an in-game color commentary role -- although he could surely pull that off, too.

But it seems like Tomlin might want a year away from the rigors of an NFL schedule, that would also follow him to some extent even as a TV analyst. 

That could allow Tomlin to set his own path for himself this fall, then make a plan for where he wants his future in football to go from there.

More NFL news:

• The cool reason the Patriots paid Mack Hollins an extra $400,000
• Bills have options to replace WR Keon Coleman
• Michael Pittman's contract may point to a trade
• How will the Vikings get competition for J.J. McCarthy?
• Steelers could go trade route to find a new quarterback
• Could a Chiefs reunion with Tyreek Hill be closer?