NFL News: Steelers reportedly could part ways with Mike Tomlin depending on Aaron Rodgers’ arrival

Aaron Rodgers still has not given his final confirmation to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have offered him a one-year contract for the 2025 NFL season. The anticipation around his signing is so high that head coach Mike Tomlin‘s future could be at stake depending on how the plan unfolds.

Tomlin is set to begin his nineteenth season as head coach of the Steelers, and it’s hard to imagine his job security being in serious jeopardy. While no official voices from within the black and gold franchise have spoken publicly on the matter, speculation has already begun.

According to NFL insider Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Tomlin’s future could be in doubt if the potential addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers fails to deliver the expected results. In his words, the Steelers head coach’s long tenure might come to an end if the A-Rod project does not succeed.

“Mike Tomlin can only outrun it for so long. He went lone ranger, as he admitted to Jay Glazer, last year turning to Russell Wilson. It sounds like Rodgers is in a similar situation, too. I don’t think the Steelers would ever fire Tomlin, but if Rodgers signs and things go poorly, I really do wonder if both sides wouldn’t agree that it’s time to move on,” Batko wrote.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers attends an introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey.

Would the Steelers consider firing Tomlin?

It is highly unlikely that the Steelers would fire Tomlin, as his long tenure in Pittsburgh makes it extremely difficult to terminate the contract. What Batko suggests is that if Rodgers accepts the offer and his performance with the franchise does not deliver good results, both sides could consider a mutual parting of ways.

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Steelers QB Mason Rudolph issues big warning to Aaron Rodgers, Mike Tomlin ahead of 2025 NFL season

How long has Tomlin been coaching the Steelers?

Tomlin has been the head coach of the Steelers since January 22, 2007, having completed 18 seasons at the helm of the black & gold team. During his long tenure, in addition to leading Pittsburgh to 12 playoff appearances, he has never had a losing record—a remarkable achievement with no precedent in NFL history.