It's been eight months since Mike Tomlin resigned as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. That move sent shockwaves across the NFL. Just a few months after he stepped down, Tomlin was announced to be joining NBC's Football Night in America. Since joining NBC, Tomlin has been hitting the media circuit, and many want to know if his decision to leave coaching is final.
During an appearance on the PFF NFL Show, Mike Tomlin sat down to talk with Chris and Jac Collinsworth to speak on different topics.
To no surprise, the former Steelers coach was asked if he would ever consider getting back into that profession. Tomlin gave an interesting answer, as he certainly didn't dismiss the idea, but it doesn't appear to be something he anticipates going back to anytime soon.
"It's certainly not a 32-team league for me. But I've also learned to never say never. I love to coach. I love all the challenges of the profession," Tomlin explained.
Although it's clear that becoming a head coach for another team besides the Steelers isn't off the table, the right opportunity would need to present itself. If a Super Bowl-contending team had a top job open up, or a franchise with a logical destination, then Mike Tomlin would likely consider it. A lot of variables would probably have to fall into place for the Pittsburgh legend to get out of broadcasting.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin left the door open to return to coaching
Having a storied career with the Steelers over a mind-boggling 19 seasons is something that would be difficult to see join another NFL sideline. Some thought Bill Cowher would've rejoined the coaching ranks at some point after stepping away from Pittsburgh, but that never happened.
The difference is that Tomlin is younger than Cowher was when he stepped down, so he has a better chance at returning.
Even though the former top dog of the franchise isn't shying away from a potential return to coaching, he doesn't seem eager to get back to it either. You hear stories about former players and alike missing the day-to-day operations and team camaraderie, but beyond that, there isn't much to miss out on. Mike Tomlin is enjoying his time away from being a head coach and savoring his new free time.
Tomlin went on to admit, "But I also have enjoyed the last six months life has on the other side that I had no idea about."
Spending more time with his family and getting to spend quality time with them has been something the former Steelers head coach missed out on the most. It is one of the main reasons why he stepped away from the best coaching job in sports. Making that sacrifice for family just to turn around and join a crappy football team wouldn't make sense for Tomlin at any point in the future.
As he alluded to in his comments to the Collinsworths, he can't rule out a potential return as a head coach, but it would take the right job. If Tomlin ever returns to a top spot in the league, expect it to be a unique circumstance that gives him an immediate shot at competing for a Super Bowl. Otherwise, there won't be many opportunities that come his way that could sway him out of his new life.
Add us as a preferred source on Google