“Me personally, I never thought he was the problem or whatever, but it sucks,” he said about Tomlin’s dismissal on Good Morning Football. “I was — I wouldn’t say traumatized — but it hurt, because he was the one who took me in as an undrafted [player], he gave me a shot, and that’s who I was playing under for my first four years. To hear him resign, it sucked, but he had to do what he had to do.”

Warren arrived in Steel City in 2022 as an undrafted free agent after his final stint at Oklahoma State Cowboys football. This year, he will have a new coaching staff, which is also awaiting a final decision from Aaron Rodgers.

Warren’s 2025 in the Steelers

During the 2025 NFL season, Jaylen Warren continued to be a vital dual-threat weapon for Mike Tomlin’s offense, appearing in 16 regular-season games. On the ground, Warren recorded 211 carries for 958 rushing yards, averaging a solid 4.5 yards per attempt and finding the end zone 6 times.

His impact extended to the passing game, where he served as a reliable safety valve, hauling in 40 receptions for 333 yards and 2 additional touchdowns. One of his standout performances came in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions, where he exploded for a season-high 143 rushing yards and two scores, helping solidify his role as a key playmaker in Pittsburgh’s backfield.

The arrival of Mike McCarthy

Mike McCarthy joined the Pittsburgh Steelers after the franchise was left without a head coach heading into what lies ahead. Jaylen Warren, a key piece of the offense, is optimistic about this shift in energy.

“He’s been energetic,” Warren said regarding his new head coach. “Obviously, it’s an NFL week, so he’s been doing his thing as far as preparing us for what he wants and is expecting us to expect from him. It’s been great. I just love the energy he brings, and I just love what he’s about.“

Looking ahead to the Draft

McCarthy and Pittsburgh are in a strong position heading into the next draft. With 12 picks at their disposal, the hope of landing players such as wide receiver Makai Lemon is very much alive. These are the spots where the Steelers will have to make their selections.

• Round 1: Pick 21
• Round 2: Pick 53
• Round 3: Pick 76
• Round 3: Pick 85
• Round 3: Pick 99
• Round 4: Pick 121
• Round 4: Pick 135
• Round 5: Pick 161
• Round 6: Pick 216
• Round 7: Pick 224
• Round 7: Pick 230
• Round 7: Pick 237

“Mike Tomlin is gearing up for a post-coaching career in sports media. The ex-Steelers coach has signed with sports media agents Sandy Montag and Alex Flanagan, sources tell Front Office Sports. Mike Tomlin is testing the TV market waters.”

After becoming the youngest head coach to win the Super Bowl in the 2008 season, Tomlin was unable to conquer another championship and, in the last decade, the Steelers experienced a historic playoff victory drought while trying different quarterbacks such as Russell Wilson, Mason Rudolph, Mitch Trubisky, Justin Fields, and Aaron Rodgers. For personal reasons, Tomlin decided to part ways with the team.

What’s next for Mike Tomlin?

Mike Tomlin has a strong chance of being hired by a television network ahead of the 2026 season. Perhaps the most important opening emerged at NBC following Tony Dungy’s departure, so Tomlin appears to be a candidate to join their broadcasts, especially on Sunday Night Football.

Will Mike Tomlin coach the Steelers in 2026?

No. Mike Tomlin will not coach the Steelers in 2026 because he decided to leave the team. If he chooses to pursue a television career, CBS and FOX could be potential suitors for their Sunday studio shows during NFL coverage.

“The Steelers are expected to hire TCU assistant linebackers coach Eric Simonelli, a source tells CBS Sports Before TCU, he worked under Mike McCarthy with the Cowboys as a quality control coach/head coach assistant. Now expected to join McCarthy’s staff in Pittsburgh. Simonelli is expected to be an offensive quality control coach with the Steelers, per a source.”

McCarthy has greatly expanded the coaching staff compared to Tomlin’s era, but the big question remains who will be the quarterback for 2026. Although the head coach has hinted that Aaron Rodgers might return, nothing is guaranteed.

Steelers keep adding names for 2026

In addition, a report by Jonathan Jones of CBS confirmed that the Pittsburgh Steelers will also hire Derius Swinton II. “The Steelers are expected to hire Derius Swinton II as a senior special teams assistant coach, source tells CBS. Swinton heads to Pittsburgh after 3 seasons in Las Vegas with 3 different coaches.”

Did Mike Tomlin leave the Steelers?

Yes. Mike Tomlin left the Steelers, believing that his cycle with the team had ended after 19 seasons. It is very important to clarify that he was not fired and that the decision was entirely made by the head coach.

Danny Smith, the special teams coordinator, has already signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Arthur Smith will become the new offensive coordinator at Ohio State in college football. Additionally, in a long-anticipated move, Teryl Austin will not continue as defensive coordinator, and Patrick Graham will take his place.

The Steelers enter a period of total uncertainty. With a new head coach in place, it is still unknown if Aaron Rodgers will return and what will happen with other veterans such as Cam Heyward or Jalen Ramsey.

Mike Tomlin’s coach will sign with Ravens for 2026

Eddie Faulkner will leave the Pittsburgh Steelers to become the new running backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens. The surprising move within the AFC North was confirmed by a report from Tom Pelissero.

“After seven years with the Steelers, running backs coach Eddie Faulkner is expected to take the same job with the AFC North rival Ravens, per sources. Faulkner molded Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell in Pittsburgh. Now, he’ll team up with Derrick Henry.”

After Todd Monken’s departure to Cleveland, the Ravens hired Declan Doyle as their new offensive coordinator. He was a key piece of Ben Johnson’s staff with the Chicago Bears and now will work alongside Faulkner. That could boost Derrick Henry’s level while helping Lamar Jackson thrive.

“William & Mary’s finest. Nineteen seasons, 200 wins, two Super Bowl appearances and a Lombardi trophy at age 36. A gold jacket career by any measure. Despite coaching thousands of players, you made time for real conversations with all of us. You cared enough to ask about our parents, grandparents, girlfriends, wives, and so many more. Practice squad, or starter, it never mattered to you.”

Rudolph was drafted in 2018 by Tomlin after a great college football career at Oklahoma State. He appeared to be on track to become Ben Roethlisberger’s successor, but never managed to establish himself as a star. In 2024, he tried his luck with the Tennessee Titans and, after failing to secure the QB1 role there, returned to Pittsburgh, where he became close friends with Aaron Rodgers while sharing the locker room.

Mike Tomlin leaves Steelers for 2026

For personal reasons, Mike Tomlin decided to part ways with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While many reports suggest he could become a TV analyst, it is also possible that he decides to take a year off.

The blow to the locker room was devastating. A few weeks ago, Mike DeFabo confirmed that several players, including Rodgers, cried during the final team meeting and apologized for having let Tomlin down in the pursuit of a Super Bowl. Rudolph was one of those voices who fondly remembered the head coach.

“You drafted me, taught me, challenged me, stayed patient with me, celebrated with me, and most importantly, you kept the same positive energy, win or lose, and never blinked. You were the unwavering rock for our team and it was a privilege to call you my head coach for seven seasons. I will miss our constant banter, your witty one-liners, and the Denzel Washington-like swagger you carried on Sundays. To the biggest, baddest, most boisterous personality I will likely ever know, thank you, Mike T.”

Is Mike Tomlin retiring?

At the moment, it is unknown whether Mike Tomlin will retire from football or not. What is certain is that he will not be a head coach in the NFL in 2026, as all vacancies have already been filled. However, for 2027, if Tomlin decides to return, he would be the most sought-after name in the league.

“It’s a playoff roster. I mean, how many playoff teams come open to a new head coach? That’s the way I view it. How do you move the needle? That’s something I’m always looking for. How do you move the needle of the men in that locker room? We’ll do a hell of a job to bring together a 90-man roster. You know, be it super competitive. I’m a big believer of draft, develop and retain.”

Nevertheless, beyond McCarthy’s claim of having a competitive roster, the key factor that will determine if they are Super Bowl contenders or not lies at the quarterback position. Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, a free agent, or perhaps a surprise rookie through the draft.

Who will be Steelers starting quarterback in 2026?

Aaron Rodgers would be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026. According to multiple reports, the organization expects the veteran to be back and he has already spoken several times with the new head coach, Mike McCarthy.

Can the Steelers win the Super Bowl?

Mike McCarthy has publicly said that the Steelers are in win-now mode and he wants a seventh Super Bowl for Pittsburgh. Art Rooney also mentioned that, when deciding who would be the new head coach, he was not considering tanking to rebuild the team. The owner does not want to waste a single year.

“Sources: Steelers plan to hire former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy as their head coach. Mike McCarthy is from Pittsburgh, always admired the Steelers and now will have the chance to coach them.”

The announcement surprised the entire NFL, as McCarthy does not fit the traditional profile the Steelers usually look for: a young defensive coordinator, as was the case with Bill Cowher and Tomlin. Nevertheless, McCarthy won a Super Bowl with the Packers and had three 12-win seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.

Mike McCarthy will be the next Steelers head coach in 2026

Mike McCarthy will be only the fourth head coach of the Steelers since 1969. The Rooney family has undoubtedly made the right choices in the past with Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin. The objective is very clear: to win the Super Bowl.

Will Aaron Rodgers return with Steelers to play for Mike McCarthy?

That is the big question right now in Pittsburgh. Although Aaron Rodgers won a Super Bowl alongside Mike McCarthy, no one can say for sure what the state of that relationship is at the moment. The quarterback will become a free agent, but if talks move forward, this could be a boost for him not to retire.

In 2025, McCarthy took a year off after his five-season stint with the Dallas Cowboys. During that time, he made several public appearances as a weekly analyst on The Pat McAfee Show.

As expected, the Steelers’ interview with Mike McCarthy has sparked multiple rumors about a possible reunion with Aaron Rodgers. So far, there is nothing official, as the quarterback will become a free agent and could opt for retirement.

Mike McCarthy could be next Steelers head coach

Mike McCarthy won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers by defeating the Steelers in the 2010 season. In addition, his family roots are closely tied to Pittsburgh, as his father was a firefighter in the city, a member of the police force, and the owner of a bar there.

Steelers candidates to be head coach in 2026

So far, the Pittsburgh Steelers have confirmed interviews with Mike McCarthy, Brian Flores, Ejiro Evero, Jeff Hafley, Klint Kubiak, Jesse Minter, Nate Scheelhaase, Chris Shula, and Anthony Weaver.

Of those names, Hafley is no longer available as he has signed on as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Many rumors suggest that the Steelers’ intention is to wait and see how far the Rams go in the playoffs to make a strong push for Shula.

According to the latest information shared by insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo on X, Danny Smith is stepping down from the position he has held since 2013 and is heading to the NFC South. His new home? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The veteran special teams coordinator has been a loyal right-hand man to Tomlin over the years, and from now on, the 72-year-old will join Todd Bowles’ staff to bring his experience to another conference.

Smith has over 50 years of experience as a professional coach and, after several stints in college football, has led units for multiple NFL teams: the Eagles, Lions, Bills, Redskins, and most recently, the Steelers.

Who will lead the Steelers next season?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are actively narrowing down their search for a new head coach following Mike Tomlin’s departure, with Mike McCarthy emerging as a prominent candidate.

A Pittsburgh native with deep ties to the city, McCarthy is viewed as a potentially perfect fit due to his extensive experience and his previous championship success with Aaron Rodgers, which could be key to convincing the veteran QB to stay.

Alongside McCarthy, the Steelers have also shown strong interest in Brian Flores, who is scheduled for an in-person interview this week, as well as rising coordinators like Anthony Weaver, Chris Shula, and Jesse Minter.

Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette offered an intriguing analysis of what could lie ahead for the team: Rodgers is the best option if he intends to return, or the Steelers may need to face a transition period and accept the consequences.

“They should draft [a receiver] in the first round to pair with [DK] Metcalf. And then maybe another in the middle rounds because we have no idea if Roman Wilson will develop into a competent player,” Fittipaldo said.

“As for Rodgers, if he wants to come back, the Steelers should strongly consider it. Unless they want to start a rebuild and commit to being a bad team with [Mason] Rudolph or [Will] Howard as the QB, then Rodgers makes the most sense. They are not going to land a QB picking in the low 20s.”

What’s Aaron Rodgers’ current situation?

As of January 2026, Aaron Rodgers is at a major career crossroads following the conclusion of his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After leading the team to an AFC North title, Rodgers’ season ended with a disappointing 30–6 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans.

With longtime head coach Mike Tomlin recently stepping down, reports indicate that Rodgers is unlikely to return to Pittsburgh for the 2026 season, as he originally joined the team largely to play for Tomlin.

The 42-year-old quarterback is now considering whether to retire after 21 seasons or seek a fourth home in the NFL, though he has stated he will take time to make a non-emotional decision.

In search of a head coach

The Pittsburgh Steelers are exploring several high-profile candidates, with Mike McCarthy emerging as a strong favorite. A Pittsburgh native with deep ties to GM Omar Khan, McCarthy is set to interview this Wednesday, sparking intense speculation about a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers. While other candidates like Brian Flores, Chris Shula, and Klay Kubiak are in the mix, hiring McCarthy is seen as the team’s best chance to convince Rodgers to return for another season rather than retiring or seeking a new home.

“I would not expect him to return to Pittsburgh now that Mike Tomlin is not back. What opportunities would Rodgers actually take for another season? That’s a very real question. We may have seen the last of Rodgers in the NFL.”

The veteran is still chasing his elusive second Super Bowl in his career. He is already 42 years old, and unless a major opportunity arises in free agency, his farewell from the NFL could be very near.

Is Aaron Rodgers retiring in 2026?

Aaron Rodgers could retire in 2026. Rapoport mentioned that it is a real possibility, as there is a lot of uncertainty about which teams might need a quarterback and which of them would actually be contenders.

What’s next for Aaron Rodgers?

The next step for Aaron Rodgers is free agency, as his contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers has ended. This will give him time to evaluate the options on the table and, if none are convincing, to retire.