Why former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is phenomenal hire for NBC's NFL coverage

Ever since Mike Tomlin decided to resign from his job as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, the expectation has been that it was inevitable he would take a job on television.

Well, that time has finally come, as Tomlin is headed to NBC to join the network's football coverage, according to The New York Times' Andrew Marchand.

"Mike Tomlin, one of the most intriguing NFL TV prospects in years, is headed to NBC to be a top studio analyst on its Sunday night pregame show, 'Football Night in America,' sources briefed on the move told The Athletic on Tuesday," he reported.

Marchand adds that FOX also showed interest in the former Steelers head coach, but ultimately NBC was the one that landed him, with the network having a more dire need for Tomlin's services.

"The roles of Rodney Harrison, Jac Collinsworth and Chris Simms are also in question as the network is attempting to have more current star power and fewer people on the show," Marchand wrote.

Tomlin will now join host Maria Taylor, former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett and former NFL defensive back Jason McCourty in the studio.

Why Tomlin is a great hire for NBC

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Anyone who has watched a Tomlin press conference knows just how fun it is to simply hear the man talk. He just has a great way with words, even in the most guarded situations, like those aforementioned pressers.

We also got a deeper look at Tomlin when the Steelers appeared on HBO's AFC North version of "Hard Knocks" that allowed us to see behind the curtain and watch a more relaxed Tomlin in his natural coaching habitat. There was zero question Tomlin was one of the stars of the show.

An infusion of new talent was badly needed at NBC, also.

It just felt like analysts such as Rodney Harrison and Tony Dungy had become stale and new energy was needed. Dungy has already been let go by NBC, but Harrison's future remains in limbo.

Barring Tomlin being unexpectedly bad at the job, he should bring that new energy NBC needs.