For the first time in nearly two decades, someone other than Mike Tomlin will be stewarding the Pittsburgh Steelers. It remains to be seen what his next move will be after stepping down as the franchise's head coach. However, the decision has reportedly set off a chain reaction.
Steelers president Art Rooney II made it clear that Tomlin isn't planning to return to the sidelines, at least in the near future. Yet, that hasn't stopped rival clubs from trying to pry the Super Bowl XLIII from Pittsburgh.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, teams wasted no time reaching out to Tomlin "in the hours after" his Steelers exit.
Mike Tomlin's in high demand after decision to leave the Pittsburgh Steelers
Rapoport didn't specify which or how many squads have Tomlin on their radar. Nevertheless, as the insider noted, the Steelers still have the latter's contractual rights, so "draft compensation would be necessary."
For whatever it's worth, Pittsburgh isn't in uncharted territory. The Denver Broncos notably sent out a first- and second-round pick to acquire renowned head coach Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints in 2023. That gives the Steelers a blueprint for a Tomlin deal down the road, should the opportunity present itself.
Whether having to trade for Tomlin dissuades front offices from pulling the trigger is unclear. But the outgoing package it took Denver to land Payton should at least factor into the equation. Either way, nothing gets done without the Steelers getting what's owed to them.
It's hardly surprising that other organizations are prepared to give Tomlin another chance following his legendary stint in Pittsburgh. His résumé speaks for itself: 19 straight winning seasons, 13 playoff appearances, eight AFC North titles, and a Lombardi Trophy.
One man's trash is another's treasure. While Steeler Nation has been ready to move on from Tomlin for what feels like forever, there's interest around the league for his services. That alone speaks to starkly different sentiments about him between the fan base and those outside of Pittsburgh.
Tomlin's tied with fellow Steelers icon Chuck Noll for ninth on the all-time wins list (193). He'll go down as one of the greatest leaders in football regardless of where his new reality takes him. The 53-year-old has nothing left to prove -- it's just a matter of desire.