For the first time in nearly two decades, Mike Tomlin was absent from the NFL’s annual league meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. The legendary Pittsburgh Steelers head coach stepped down in January 2026 after 19 remarkable seasons. And it was Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s wife, Gemmi Schottenheimer, who made sure the moment wasn’t overlooked. She shared a heartfelt Instagram message honoring Kiya Tomlin, Mike’s wife and an accomplished fashion designer.

“Sweetest delivery @kiyatomlin, Y’all were dearly missed,” Gemmi Schottenheimer wrote as a caption for her Instagram story.

Tony's Top Prospects For QB For COWBOYS

VIEW ALL TONY'S PICKS ON THE BIG BOARD

With the Instagram story, Gemmi Schottenheimer celebrated the Tomlins, who over more than two decades built deep, lasting friendships with coaches and families. Alongside her tribute, she also shared a special package from Kiya Tomlin’s fashion line, which has maintained an official partnership with the NFL since 2021.

Kiya Tomlin and her brand have been active since 2014, when the first collection debuted under the name Uptown Sweats before eventually being rebranded as Kiya Tomlin Fashion. Every piece in the line is made entirely in the United States. In 2018, she expanded her operations by opening the Kiya Tomlin Work/Shop in Etna, Pennsylvania, a space where customers can witness the full production process from raw fabric to finished garment under one roof.

Kiya shared with the William & Mary Alumni Magazine that Mike Tomlin’s routine sparked the initial design concept for her brand.

“I decided to just make myself a uniform,” Kiya said. “Something that I could put on every day that I didn’t have to think about. It needed to be practical … I came up with the Signature Dress.”

This venture was a natural progression for Kiya Tomlin, who wanted to be a surgeon growing up but always had a passion for fashion. She and Mike Tomlin first met during their time at William & Mary University in Virginia before getting married in 1996. After the marriage, the Tomlins moved to Tennessee, where Mike got a job as a graduate assistant at the University of Memphis.

Soon, Mike Tomlin rose through the coaching ranks on the college circuit and then began his NFL career as a defensive assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001. He then moved to the Minnesota Vikings, where he became the defensive coordinator before joining Pittsburgh in 2007. With the Steelers, replacing Bill Cowher, Tomlin grew into one of the best coaches in NFL history.

The 54-year-old finished with a 193–114–2 regular-season record while holding the NFL record for most consecutive non-losing seasons to start a career (19). In the playoffs, Tomlin had an 8–12 playoff record and a Super Bowl XLIII victory.

Now, after his retirement, speculation has grown about the legendary head coach’s next steps, with reports revealing significant interest from major TV networks.

Mike Tomlin reportedly makes final decision on joining TV in 2026

After stepping down as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, there’s been a lot of speculation about what’s next for Mike Tomlin. Three months after his decision, Tomlin is reportedly eyeing a sports broadcasting career, similar to countless former players and coaches.

“The Super Bowl-winning Steelers coach has long been every network’s No. 1 pick if he chose the broadcast booth over the sideline,” Front Office Sports reported. “It seemed like Tomlin’s big career switch was finally at hand when he left Pittsburgh after 19 seasons. But it’s been radio silence since. Word on the street is that the 53-year-old Tomlin wants to take a year off.”

Mike Tomlin’s absence was felt at the annual NFL meeting after a 19-year coaching career with the Steelers. Following this decision, fans are speculating about what’s next for the legendary Pittsburgh head coach, while his wife, Kiya, remains busy with her fashion brand.