Mike Tomlin‘s remarkable 19-year tenure as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers came to a close last week, and the NFL landscape is already buzzing about what comes next for one of the game’s most recognizable figures.
Fresh off Tomlin‘s decision to step away from coaching following a Wild Card playoff loss, CBS Sports analyst Nate Burleson made waves by inviting the veteran coach into television, a move that highlights both Tomlin‘s broad appeal and the growing allure of former leaders in sports media.
Tomlin, 53, announced his resignation last Tuesday, ending a franchise era that featured 13 playoff appearances, eight AFC North division titles, and a Super Bowl XLIII victory in the 2008 season.
Though his teams never had a losing record in a single season, recent postseason frustration, including a seventh straight playoff loss, contributed to his decision to step away from coaching for now.
With Tomlin not actively pursuing another head-coaching post for the 2026 season and planning to spend more time with his family, the conversation among broadcasters and fans has quickly pivoted to alternative roles where his experience could shine. That’s where Burleson‘s public comments come in.
Speaking outside CBS studios in New York City, Burleson told TMZ Sports he would welcome Tomlin into the network’s NFL Today studio.
“If you are taking time off, come over to CBS,” Burleson said. “I got a seat for you on ‘NFL Today.'”
He added of Tomlin‘s qualifications: “He got the energy, he got the swagger, he looks good, articulate and all that, plus he has the resume.”
Those remarks underscore a broader trend in NFL coverage: networks increasingly seek voices with firsthand leadership experience and credibility in high-pressure moments.
Tomlin‘s résumé certainly checks those boxes, with nearly two decades of sideline success and a reputation for strong communication.
Tomlin‘s legacy and media appeal
While Burleson‘s invitation may have seemed spontaneous, the interest reflects the fast pace at which broadcasters move to secure marquee names.
Multiple NFL insiders now predict Tomlin could attract several offers from major media outlets, not just CBS, if he chooses to pursue a media career.
One source told The Big Lead that Tomlin is expected to receive up to five offers from top broadcasters, with many networks eager to tap into his game-day insight and personality.
Tomlin‘s visibility and respect around the league stem not only from his longevity but from how he handled one of the most storied coaching runs in modern NFL history.
Since being hired in 2007, replacing Hall of Famer Bill Cowher, Tomlin never oversaw a losing season and became the NFL’s longest-tenured head coach at the time of his departure.
That consistency, even amid postseason struggles, has made him a recognizable figure to fans and media alike.
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