Mike Tomlin, the legendary coach who stepped down from the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons, just dropped a bombshell on “The Dan Patrick Show”: he is “having the time of my life” in retirement. Tomlin, 54, surprised many when he decided to step away on January 13, and it seems he isn’t in any rush to get back to the NFL sideline. This guy is genuinely loving life post-coaching, which has to make some of the league’s workaholics rethink everything.
The Gridiron Grind Is Gone, and August Is for Chilling
After nearly two decades leading an NFL franchise, Tomlin is experiencing a completely new reality. He told Patrick he had “never had an August, man, since I was like 8 years old” without being part of a football team or camp. Think about that for a second. Twenty years of Augusts spent in grueling camp settings, and now? He was ready to see what September had in store. It’s crazy how quickly someone can get used to “chilling,” as he put it. He’s been able to focus on his own wellness, get into shape, and generally take care of himself in a way that just isn’t possible when you are running an NFL organization.
From the Sideline to the Stands, and Soon the Booth
Tomlin has kept himself plenty busy since walking away, but it’s a different kind of busy. Shortly after leaving the Steelers, he was spotted cheering on his daughter, Harley, who is a member of Georgia’s gymnastics team. In June, he was in Cooperstown to celebrate Andruw Jones’ induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He also attended his first family reunion in almost 30 years, an incredible fact for someone so dedicated to their profession. This fall, Tomlin is set to begin his first season as an NFL analyst. His pulse rate’s “a lot lower,” he chuckled, and he’s been present with his family and friends. It sounds like a total reset.
Tomlin’s legacy is already locked in, no doubt about it. He’s a Super Bowl XLIII champion, 10th all time among NFL coaches in career wins with 193, and 17th in career winning percentage (.628) for coaches with at least 100 games. His 201 total wins tie him for 10th-most in NFL history, alongside Hall of Famer Chuck Noll. He is following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Bill Cowher, who also retired after a long Steelers run, went into broadcasting, and never returned to coaching. Tomlin’s contentment could mean we’ve seen his last days coaching on an NFL sideline.
Will we ever see Tomlin back on the sidelines, or is this new “chilling” lifestyle too good to give up? Tune in this fall to see him in his new role as an NFL analyst. It’ll be fascinating to hear his perspective, knowing he’s actually getting to live life outside the coaching grind.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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