“Oh, it’s gonna be great for the Giants,” Tomlin said on Monday at an NBCUniversal event at Radio City Music Hall. “You know, having competed against [Harbaugh] for 18 years over the same divisional territory, one thing I don’t know about his group, they’ll certainly be ready.

“And by that, I mean, there will be a hard buy-in to the team development process that’ll be appropriate to have ready to go week one. And secondarily, man, they’ll be a highly-conditioned group.“

Now far removed from having to defend the interests of his beloved Steelers on the field, Tomlin is beginning to offer his first thoughts on what lies ahead. He clearly knows Harbaugh firsthand and understands that he will be a tough opponent to face.

What is Mike Tomlin’s new role?

Mike Tomlin has transitioned into the media world after stepping down as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in January 2026. He has officially joined NBC Sports as a studio analyst for “Football Night in America,” the network’s premier pregame show for Sunday Night Football.

While he spent 19 years on the sidelines, he will now use his extensive experience to provide expert analysis alongside Maria Taylor and the rest of the NBC crew starting this fall.

“It gives me an opportunity to stay close to the game that we all love, and share with fellow lovers, and learn something along the way,” Tomlin said.

The first blockbuster matchup in the NFL

The first Sunday Night Football game of the 2026 season will take place on September 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The matchup features a classic NFC East rivalry as the New York Giants host the Dallas Cowboys. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, marking the highly anticipated Giants debut for head coach John Harbaugh.

According to the report, the off-the-field circumstances involving Vrabel could complicate his future with the team. “But if these upcoming few months go haywire, and if they are put in a situation of no return, either with the team not doing well or the drama of Mike’s family issues taking over and forcing a decision on Mike’s coaching future, the one person that they would seek to replace him would be Mike Tomlin.”

That potential scenario remains speculative for now, but it highlights how seriously the Patriots are preparing for all outcomes. Vrabel is still the current head coach, and they would prefer stability, but the possibility of disruption has forced them to think ahead. After becoming an icon with the Steelers and winning a Super Bowl, Tomlin could be the answer.

Mike Tomlin is an option for Patriots

Even within that uncertainty, the idea of Mike Tomlin stepping in comes with immediate complications. Tomlin has recently transitioned into a new role as an analyst with NBC, making any potential return to coaching, especially on short notice, far from straightforward.

If Tomlin were not available, another name could emerge internally: Josh McDaniels. With prior head coaching experience and familiarity with the organization, he could be viewed as a more immediate and practical option to step into the role if needed.

For now, the Patriots are not making any changes. But the fact that contingency plans are being considered underscores the unpredictability of the situation. Much will depend on how the coming months unfold, both on and off the field.

Until then, Mike Vrabel remains in place. But as the report suggests, the Patriots are quietly preparing for the possibility that things may not stay that way. Mike Tomlin would be a massive splash.

Recent reports confirm that Mike Tomlin has joined NBC as a football analyst for Football Night in America. The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach chose to step away from the sidelines while remaining connected to the sport through the media.

A similar transition could be in store for Russell Wilson. Although the Jets are interested in keeping him in New York following his exit from the Giants, a television offer may be more attractive for the Super Bowl XLVIII champion.

Report: Russell Wilson could stay in New York, but for CBS

According to rumors, Russell Wilson prefers to stay in New York, with the Jets really interested in him as QB2. However, it may no longer be as a player, but as a top NFL analyst for CBS.

Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reports that Wilson is in “deep discussions” regarding a broadcasting role. CBS’s studio is located in Manhattan, making it a perfect logistical fit.

The opening at CBS follows Matt Ryan’s departure from The NFL Today to join the Atlanta Falcons as President of Football Operations. This has created a high-profile vacancy that Wilson is a strong candidate to fill.

Is the Jets’ door closed for Russell Wilson?

Not necessarily. Wilson remains a primary candidate to back up Geno Smith for the Jets. However, the prospect of sitting behind the man who was once his own backup in Seattle may not appeal to “DangeRuss.”

Wilson is no longer viewed as a reliable starter, and his options for such a role are minimal. After a difficult year with the Giants, stepping aside to preserve his legacy as an analyst may be his best move.

As reported by Richard Deitsch of Sports Media Podcast, “Chris Simms announced this morning that he is out at Football Night In America. A source at NBC Sports confirms. Obviously NBC has changed up its NFL pregame show with the addition of Mike Tomlin.”

Deitsch makes a direct correlation between Tomlin’s hire and Simms departure. Hence, it’s safe to say that NBC will restructure quite a bit of things. Tomlin must be really expensive as well.

Simms was a staple on NBC programming

Simms appeared on both pregame and postgame shows on Sunday night for NBC. He made the announcement during his appearance on the Pro Football Talk Live show with Mike Florio. Simms will still appear on that show, despite PFT’s allegiance to NBC.

Simms played for seven years in the NFL and he is also the son of former Giants quarterback Phil Simms. He spent a decade with NBC Sports prior to this announcement. Hence, it’s not a light decision to make.

Tomlin might not even be there for years to come

Loyalty is not quite the priority in these cases. However, firing a decade-long servant for Tomlin, who might be there just for a year before returning to the NFL coaching scene might not be the best of looks. Hence, could NBC regret this? Not necessarily, but it could still be unlikely that Simms returns eventually.

During his presentation with the network, Tomlin made it clear this wasn’t a sudden move, but rather something that had been building over time. A Super Bowl victory wasn’t enough after the recent early exits in the playoffs

“It’s probably not an overnight decision, but it’s probably not something that I could articulate or share with people. There’s a loneliness with leadership. I just thought it was a good time for me, personally. And by that, I mean just where I am in life.”

Why did Mike Tomlin leave the Steelers?

While the personal aspect played a major role, Mike Tomlin also emphasized that his departure was about the Steelers as much as it was about himself. After several seasons without playoff success, he believed a new voice in the locker room could help re-energize the team.

“I thought it was a good time for the organization to be quite honest with you. We didn’t have a lot of success in the playoffs in recent years. There’s just some veteran players there. Guys like Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and Chris Boswell. I just thought they were worthy of the excitement and optimism associated with new leadership.”

It’s a revealing admission from one of the league’s most respected coaches, acknowledging both the team’s recent shortcomings and the need for a fresh perspective. Rather than holding on, Tomlin chose to step aside at a moment he felt could benefit everyone involved.

“I just thought it’d be a great way to stay connected to the game and the awesome people in it, players, coaches, executives, and I’m excited about doing that on Sunday night and traveling to different venues and getting that feel for the environment.”

Mike Tomlin’s new job with NBC

Now, as he transitions into his role on television, Mike Tomlin leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency and a Super Bowl title, but also a decision that reflects self-awareness. For both him and the Steelers, it marks the beginning of a new era.

“I just thought it’d be awesome to share insight with fellow football lovers. I love to talk football. So, that’s just an exciting component for me. I got to admit, though, there’s going to be some anxiety about stepping into a new space, but good anxiety. It’s good to be uncomfortable, the growth associated with that. I’m fired up about it.”

Now serving as an analyst for NBC, Tomlin didn’t hesitate when asked about the team’s quarterback situation during his first on-air appearance. His answer made it clear who the starting QB will be.

“I’ll say it’s Aaron Rodgers. I just think Aaron. Being around him for twelve months, he got a love affair with the game of football. Not only the game, but the process. The informal moments, the development of younger guys, the interaction with teammates. I think he has an addiction to that and there’s only one way to feed it. Certainly, he is still capable and in really good shape. So, I think at the end of the day, he’ll play football.”

Mike Tomlin thinks Aaron Rodgers will return with Steelers

According to Mike Tomlin, the decision ultimately comes down to more than just physical ability, it’s about connection to the game itself. He emphasized that Aaron Rodgers thrives not only in competition, but in the daily routine, preparation, and relationships that come with being part of a team.

Tomlin also made it clear that ability is not a concern, pointing to Rodgers’ current condition and readiness. In his view, the combination of passion and capability makes a return feel inevitable with Mike McCarthy as head coach in Pittsburgh.

If Mike Tomlin’s read is correct, the Steelers may once again have clarity at quarterback in 2026 driven not by speculation, but by Rodgers’ own attachment to the game. So, the QB room would have Aaron Rodgers, Drew Allar and Will Howard. In this scenario, Mason Rudolph could be traded.

Tomlin’s coaching legacy in Pittsburgh is undeniable. Over nearly two decades, he built a reputation for consistency, leadership, and competitiveness, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory that cemented his place among the league’s elite coaches. Year after year, the Steelers remained relevant under his watch, rarely bottoming out and often finding ways to stay in contention.

But in recent years, the narrative began to shift. Despite regular-season competitiveness, the lack of playoff success, stretching to nine consecutive years without a postseason win, became impossible to ignore. The pressure mounted from fans and media alike, turning what was once a model of stability into a situation filled with growing scrutiny.

A new chapter for Mike Tomlin

The 2025 season felt like a potential turning point. With Aaron Rodgers under center, the Steelers captured the AFC North title and finished with a 10-7 record. On paper, it looked like a return to form. In reality, it ended the same way as previous years, with a disappointing early playoff exit, this time at the hands of the Houston Texans.

That loss seemed to crystallize the situation. For all the regular-season success, the struggles in the postseason continued to define the latter part of Tomlin’s tenure. Fair or not, expectations in Pittsburgh are measured in playoff wins and championships, not just division titles.

Now, Tomlin is embracing a new challenge. Moving into broadcasting offers a different kind of influence, one where his insight, experience, and personality can reach a national audience every week. Whether this marks a permanent shift away from coaching or simply a pause remains unclear.

Selected 32nd overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2009 NFL Draft, Hood’s life as a pro got off to an eventful start. After making a name for himself as a defensive tackle at Missouri — making the First-team All-Big 12 in 2008 — the Amarillo, Texas native immediately had to switch to defensive end in Mike Tomlin‘s system.

Joining the Steelers paid off though, as Hood enjoyed a trip to Super Bowl XLV in his second year as a pro. Aaron Rodgers‘ Green Bay Packers ended up standing in Pittsburgh’s way, a result that still hurts but doesn’t make Hood lose sight of the bigger picture.

In an exclusive interview with Bolavip, Ziggy reflects on his NFL journey, which began with a fruitful five-year stint in the Steel City (2009-2013), followed by stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2014-15) and Chicago Bears (2015). His career also included a tenure in Washington (2016-18), where he overlapped with Kirk Cousins, before finishing with the Miami Dolphins (2018) and the New Orleans Saints (2019).

Ziggy Hood on being drafted by Tomlin, Steelers

Bolavip: You once said that you were surprised by being picked in the first round. How did you take that decision? Did it give you confidence or did it put more pressure on you?

Ziggy Hood: You know what, coming from a small town here in Amarillo, Texas, not too many guys have, you know, transcended in the next level from college, it has only been a select few. And having that opportunity to even make it to the league was a blessing itself.

With the draft, it was up and down with different picks that they were telling me, so when the teams pass you up, you think you’re going to drop. (It was) just a surprise you know, the Steelers with the 32nd pick chose me. I felt like I wasn’t worthy but hey, thank God I got the blessing and it was a history wrap from there.

Bolavip: What was it like to play under Mike Tomlin?

Hood: He was a great coach, great organization. I have nothing bad to say about anybody, really, any organization because they gave me the opportunity to play. And so, I could never bring myself to badmouth anybody because, like I said, with with the opportunity to play, it’s my choice and my decision to do whatever I need to do to prolong my career.

So, you know, thank God for the blessings and everything that they gave me. They got me to play the game I love, that I played all the way from little league, middle school, high school, college, and then my dream to play professional.

Bolavip: You had to switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. What was it like? How did you feel about that?

Hood: Really, you had to rewire yourself on how you need to do certain things. Luckily, I had a group of older vets to teach me and to learn from them. I think that was the best thing to do.

And these guys were, you know, 35, 36 years old. They were on the verge of retiring, even though they could have played three or four more years. I had the blessing, I had the opportunity to learn from these older guys and to see how it’s done when it’s done correctly.

The culture set by Big Ben and Tomlin in Pittsburgh

Bolavip: And even though he wasn’t a player in your position, you had a leader like Ben Roethlisberger. What was it like to have him as the quarterback and leader of the franchise?

Hood: Well, he already knew how to win because they had just recently won a Super Bowl the year before me against the Cardinals. They won again, I think several years beforehand. So, they already had the recipe of winning.

So I came into a great organization. And I came into a great culture that understood winning and what it takes to win. It started with practice and making sure you do everything as perfect as you can. Even when you fall short, you’re still good enough.

Bolavip: Were you surprised to see Tomlin leave Pittsburgh after all these years?

Hood: No, I wasn’t. The man has been over there what, over 20 years or something like that? And then to have a run and to have another, you know, not a losing season. That’s a blessing opportunity. He’s going to go down as one of the greatest coaches in the NFL for being with that organization.

And I’m pretty sure he likes the time off right now. He gets to spend time with his family, do the things he normally couldn’t around this time because they either be preparing for the draft, getting ready for OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and training camp. So, I’m pretty sure he’s going to take a year off and then he’s going to start getting the itch to coach back again.

Losing Super Bowl XLV to Aaron Rodgers’ Packers

Bolavip: What do you remember about that season where you played Super Bowl XLV?

Hood: You know what? Everybody was on point, everybody was clicking and it seems like every time things were go were about to go bad, it took a turn for the good to have an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl.

Unfortunately, we didn’t win, but not too many guys can say they did that. And you know, if (there’s) one thing I could redo, it’s that particular game, because it’d be a different type of world to have a ring and in a different kind of class to have that opportunity to play and win again.

Bolavip: It was a very close game and against a very good team, against Aaron Rodgers. What was it like to face this type of quarterback in that game?

Hood: The guy was athletic and he was smart, we caught him at the young age of Aaron Rodgers. If we would have caught him at the very crafty, little bit older vet, it definitely would have been a harder game to play.

But just to go against somebody of his caliber, and then he was able to play for them towards the end of his career, that shows that guys like him can make these jumps and bring a team to win at any opportunity he plays at.

The toughest quarterbacks to play against

Bolavip: And who was for you the toughest quarterback to play against in the NFL?

Hood: I got to give it to Tom Brady. The man delivered the ball so fast, trying to get back there to him was difficult. Because he knew he where he wanted to go with the ball and how to get there. So when the ball was delivered in less than a second, that’s what it was.

When you have opportunity to sack him, you better take advantage, because it’s those type of opportunities don’t come, you know, a dime a dozen. You have to be be ready and be able to try to capitalize whenever you have it.

Bolavip: And do you remember a tough quarterback in college?

Hood: Either Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy, because they had one of the best two offensive linemen in front of them. And so those guys played a long career as well. Not only that, they came from a winning program as well.

I had an opportunity to play against those teams, originally in the Big 12 before they moved to a different conference. So, like I said, that was a great time at Missouri.

The importance of defensive players in football

Bolavip: Going back to your position, do you think that defensive players and especially defensive tackles or defensive ends are underrated? Either by fans or media, or even coaches.

Hood: There’s a bunch of guys that are underrated. I follow a lot of guys on Instagram or I look at a lot of different guys on clips of pass rushing and I’m sitting there like, ‘Man, these guys are moving.’ I wish I had that type of wiggle back then. It’d be a different ball game.

But what I’m seeing now, how fast the game moves, these guys are very special to watch. I love watching the football games. I like watching my position because I’m seeing how they’re moving and what they see out there. I’m like, ‘Man, that’s pretty neat that he was able to do that.‘

Bolavip: Which players do you like to see or do you believe are the best today in your position?

Hood: I know (Jeffery) Simmons from Tennessee. I didn’t realize how big and built he is until you actually look at him. I wish Aaron Donald would have stayed several more years because that guy was wreaking havoc every time.

(Danielle) Hunter with Houston because he’s unorthodox and I love how he gets off on the ball and does these weird combinations, with moves and stuff. It’s just like, man, it gets me excited to see somebody like that. I love seeing other guys shine and get the opportunity to extend their careers.

Spending time with Kirk Cousins and other teams after Pittsburgh stint

Bolavip: There are still many players of your era, maybe in other positions, who continue to play. You overlapped with Kirk Cousins in Washington. He’s now joining the Raiders. How do you see him this year, and what do you remember of him as a teammate?

Hood: He’s a great man to follow. I never had a bad note from him. He was a great leader when I played at Washington. So I’m pretty sure he’s going to do great things in Vegas. He gives it everything he’s got.

Not only that, he’s a great family-based type of man. That’s the guy who I love to follow. He’s the family-based type of man, because he’s playing more for than just for money. He’s playing for his kids. He’s playing for his wife. So that’s a great opportunity to stand behind him.

Bolavip: What difference did you see between the Steelers and the teams that you went on to play for afterwards?

Hood: It’s the front office. A lot of different organizations are ran a lot different. Like I said, I could never be on the phone and badmouth any organization because I’m saying they gave me an opportunity. But different levels come where the top has blueprint. ‘This is how we win.’ And it stems down all the way down to the players. Even the custodian staff knows what time it is.

“The Steelers was a top-notch organization because they knew how to run.”

It all starts up in the front office. How they draft, how they organize the schedule, what type of personnel or people that they bring in, who do they surround the players with, and for them to put the players in a great position to be successful.

The Steelers was a top-notch organization because they knew how to run. I had a great time at Washington regardless, I got close to a lot of guys, I got close to a lot of the men on the coaching staff and in the training room as well. So, I had a great time. Either place I went to.

The advice for young players

Bolavip: As a former first-rounder, what advice would you give to any prospect who’s entering this year’s draft class?

Hood: Doesn’t matter what opportunity, what round, what pick you go, utilize it and capitalize. And so the biggest thing I try to stress the players is let your ability take over. Don’t put yourself in a cookie cutter, routine, to where it got you playing like a robot. Go out there, enjoy the moment because when it’s done, it’s done. And there’s going to be days where you reminisce.

And so when you’re a lot older like me being at age 39, I go around telling the high school kids who I coach and I have the opportunity to share some of my experiences: I had opportunities to play with future Hall of Famers, Hall of Famers, and guys that bring business every single day. And this is the blueprint, how you got to get there in order to achieve that. But the minute you stop being you, that’s when everything will change and go downhill.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH ZIGGY HOOD ON BOLAVIP US:

“The buy-in is excellent,” McCarthy said during a press conference. “You have to make changes, there’s things you’re going to adjust, and there’s things you’re going to emphasize. . . . I think the buy-in has been excellent.”

The short-term goal? By mid-June, every player must understand each of their responsibilities. “I think we’re in a really good spot. I’m very pleased with participation. It’s a player-first teaching environment. We’ve been able to push a high volume of information to our players. The players have been outstanding.

“By June 12, our goal is to make sure everyone of our players has what they need schematically, the communication, the details of their roles and responsibilities are, and I think we’re off to a good start. I’ve been very impressed and appreciative of the time spent by our players.”

Continuing Tomlin’s legacy

Mike McCarthy faces the monumental task of upholding the ‘Steelers Way’ following the departure of Mike Tomlin, who led the franchise for 19 seasons without a single losing record. While both men are Super Bowl-winning head coaches, McCarthy must translate that shared championship pedigree into postseason success for a city that has grown accustomed to the elite standards set by his predecessor.

Tomlin leaves behind a legendary resume in Pittsburgh, including 193 regular-season wins, 8 AFC North titles, and a Super Bowl XLIII ring. For McCarthy to truly cement his own legacy in the Steel City, he will need to build upon Tomlin’s foundation of consistency while finding the spark to return the black and gold to the pinnacle of the NFL.

Tomlin’s new role in the NFL

Following his legendary tenure in Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin is transitioning to the broadcast booth as a studio analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America. Starting in the 2026 season, the experienced coach will bring his signature leadership and sharp football IQ to the network’s flagship Sunday night pregame show, filling the high-profile vacancy left by Tony Dungy.

McCarthy already has his eye on the Draft

The Steelers are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a massive arsenal of 12 total picks, including five within the first 100 selections. While they hold the 21st overall pick in the first round, the strategy under McCarthy and Omar Khan remains fluid due to the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback room. Although Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are currently on the roster, the team is still awaiting a definitive word on Aaron Rodgers’ return.

Regarding this critical situation, the team has acknowledged that Rodgers’ deadline might extend beyond the draft itself. This leaves the Steelers in a delicate position: they may use one of their early picks on a prospect like Ty Simpson or Garrett Nussmeier to secure the future, or they could leverage their draft capital to bolster the offensive line and secondary while waiting for a final decision on the bridge starter role.

• Round 1: No. 21
• Round 2: No. 53
• Round 3: No. 76
• Round 3: No. 85
• Round 3: No. 99
• Round 4: No. 121
• Round 4: No. 135
• Round 5: No. 161
• Round 6: No. 216
• Round 7: No. 224
• Round 7: No. 230
• Round 7: No. 237

“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.