Mike Tomlin and the team became the first NFL team to record no playoff wins since 2017 after the 6-30 humiliation by the Texans.

This was their fifth game in the playoffs with a double-digit loss, setting another NFL record. Post this defeat, both Tomlin and the Steelers decided to part ways as per multiple reports.

"After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as
head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers," he said in a statement.

He thanked Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney, as well as the players, "who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful."

The Super Bowl-winning head coach added, "I want to also thank Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team."

He concluded by saying that although this chapter had ended, his respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers would never change, and he remained grateful for his time coaching the team while looking forward to its future.

Before stepping down, Tomlin was under contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers through the 2027 season under a three-year extension he signed in June 2024. So what went wrong?

Mike Tomlin was legendary for the Steelers. Throughout his coaching tenure (2007–2025), the team recorded not a single losing season and won a Super Bowl as well.

They struggled in the postseason, leading to a disconnect between the legendary head coach and the Steelers fan base over the past few years.

Aaron Rodgers stood in Mike Tomlin's defense

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers spoke a lot in defense of the head coach in the post-game press conference.

"I mean, this league has changed a lot in my 21 years. You know, when you hear conversation about the Mike Tomlins of the world, Matt LaFleurs of the world, those are just two of the coaches I’ve played for. And when I first got in the league, there wouldn’t be conversation about whether those guys were on the hot seat," Rodgers told reporters postgame.

He said Mike Tomlin has been one of the league’s most successful coaches for nearly two decades, adding that outside pressure often sways decisions, even though that’s not how he would do things or how the league used to operate.

A reporter asked the four-time MVP about what he learned from Tomlin this season. "I’ve answered that a number of times. I’ve talked extensively about how I feel about Mike, and I just did in that f****** answer. Thanks," Rodgers said as he got up from the podium and walked out of the press conference.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments!

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu