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Mike Tomlin Explains Steelers Exit in NBC Debut, Predicts Aaron Rodgers' Return in 2026

His first on-air remarks cite playoff frustration, leadership fatigue as reasons for stepping down.

Overview

  • Tomlin used his NBC debut Sunday in a conversation with host Maria Taylor to give his first public explanation for resigning from Pittsburgh.
  • He said the Steelers’ decade-long playoff drought and the loneliness of leadership pushed him to leave after 19 seasons without a losing record.
  • Tomlin predicted Aaron Rodgers will play for the Steelers in 2026, while noting the 42-year-old has not announced his decision.
  • Pittsburgh added third-round pick Drew Allar to a quarterback room that also includes Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, creating a crowded depth chart if Rodgers returns.
  • With Mike McCarthy now the head coach, Tomlin shifts to NBC’s Football Night in America as an on-site analyst and says the career change brings excited but healthy anxiety.