Merely hours after Mike Tomlin clinched his team’s first divisional title since the 2020 season, his post-retirement career is already locked and ready to go. After spending 19 years at the helm of the Pittsburgh Steelers, many believe the head coach is in a prime spot to land a lucrative broadcasting gig.

“The charismatic Steelers coach has long been No. 1 on the wish list of NFL media partners looking to hire the next great analyst,” Front Office Sports’ Michael McCarthy wrote.

Tomlin’s charismatic personality and articulate “Tomlin-isms” make him a natural fit for the broadcast booth. Unsurprisingly, CBS Sports, the $2.3B broadcasting giant, has been frequently mentioned as the most logical destination for Tomlin. The network already has a successful history of hiring former Steelers, most notably Bill Cowher, who joined CBS in 2007 after his own coaching career in Pittsburgh. Additionally, former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden has been a steady presence as an analyst for CBS Sports HQ for several years. 

 Insiders suggest that several industry giants, such as FOX Sports, would also be willing to offer him a massive salary to share his real-world football knowledge with a national audience. Some analysts believe he could earn millions a year as a studio analyst, with even higher potential if he joins a primary game-day broadcast team.

“Several told me they believe Tomlin could choose to take the season off in 2026 if the Steelers are knocked out of the playoffs by the Ravens on Sunday, then potentially return to coaching in 2027 if he receives the right offer,” EssentiallySports’ NFL insider Tony Pauline reported. “There was no speculation as to who Tomlin would coach in 2027 if, in fact, he sits on the sidelines next season, though I am told he would be looking for an ownership stake to return. If Tomlin chooses retirement, look for him to sign a contract with FOX as a game analyst in 2026.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter, on the other hand, reported that Tomlin will fulfill his obligations before heading elsewhere.

“He’s got one year left on his contract. There’s a feeling, from many, that he will fulfill what he started,” Schefter said. “He’s the longest-tenured coach in the National Football League.”

If he does decide to leave the sidelines, it would mark the end of one of the most stable and successful eras in NFL coaching history. For now, though, he’s more concerned about the immediate issue at hand.

January 12 is going to be an important day for the Steelers. Hosting the Houston Texans at the Acrisure Stadium, Mike Tomlin will have a chance to clinch the AFC Wild Card. However, it’s not going to be so easy.

The Texans are currently on a nine-game win streak after starting 0-3. So, the team will need more than just luck this time.