Mike Tomlin has quickly become one of NBC's biggest broadcasting wins, but the 54-year-old could also be a major factor in the NFL's next firing-and-hiring cycle if he decides he wants back on the sideline.
According to the reporting, Tomlin is expected to be in extremely high demand as an NFL head coaching candidate in the coming months. That possibility makes his current job at NBC feel temporary in a way that few high-profile TV roles ever do. Tomlin is working as a studio analyst for Sunday Night Football after stepping away from the Steelers in January, and his first half-season on television has drawn praise.
That success has not changed the basic league-wide view of him. A high-ranking official with one NFL team said Tomlin is enjoying TV for now, but added that he will clearly be at the top of the list for any team that has an opening. The same source also suggested that if he is willing to come back, that could cause a team or two to create an opening.
That is the real issue for the next coaching cycle. Tomlin spent 19 years as the Steelers' head coach and never had a losing season, a run that helps explain why he would immediately rise to the top of the market if he becomes available. He also brings a rare combination of experience, stability and credibility that teams usually cannot find once they start searching for a coach.
One NFL agent not involved in Tomlin's representation put it simply: Tomlin is enjoying TV for now, but the real test is whether teams are willing to offer him enough to leave. Another source said money has nothing to do with this, while also noting that of course NFL teams are going to offer him stuff. The bigger question is whether he is having a good time doing what he is doing and whether he is good at it.
What happens next
For now, Tomlin is still at NBC and still part of Sunday Night Football. But if he decides he wants another coaching job, the expectation around the league is clear: he would not be waiting long for interest. In fact, one high-ranking official described him as the kind of candidate any team has to call if it is looking for a coach.
That is what makes Mike Tomlin NFL coaching rumors so relevant. The next opening could turn into a real Tomlin watch, and if he ever chooses to leave TV, multiple teams may find themselves competing for the same target.
