Top 5 Landing Spots for Mike Tomlin After Stepping Down as Steelers Head Coach

#Top 5 Landing Spots for Mike Tomlin After Stepping Down as Steelers Head Coach

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering unfamiliar territory.

Following Monday’s wild-card loss to the Houston Texans, longtime head coach Mike Tomlin officially stepped down, ending a 19-season run that included a Super Bowl title and zero losing seasons. With Tomlin now weighing his future, the league has quickly shifted into speculation mode.

While Tomlin is not expected to coach immediately in 2026, the right situation could accelerate his return. Because he resigned — rather than being fired — the Steelers still control his contractual rights through 2026, meaning any interested team would need to acquire him via trade, similar to how the Denver Broncos landed Sean Payton in 2023.

With that in mind, here are five realistic landing spots that could make sense if and when Tomlin decides to return to the sidelines.

#5. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee represents a classic rebuild opportunity.

The Titans are coming off a transitional season but have reason for optimism with Cam Ward, the former No. 1 overall pick entering his second year. Ward flashed high-end upside as a rookie, giving the franchise a potential long-term answer at quarterback — a prerequisite for any coach of Tomlin’s stature.

While the roster still lacks depth, Tennessee owns significant draft capital and projects to have over $100 million in cap space entering 2026. Combined with a new front office led by former Chiefs executive Mike Borgonzi, the Titans could appeal to Tomlin as a chance to build something sustainable from the ground up.

#4. New York Giants

The Giants remain a work in progress, but the foundation is intriguing.

Quarterback Jaxson Dart showed promise during his rookie season, combining efficiency with mobility and toughness. While not yet a finished product, Dart looks capable of developing into a franchise quarterback under the right coaching structure.

New York also features young cornerstone players on both sides of the ball and holds another top-five draft pick, giving the organization flexibility to continue upgrading its roster. For Tomlin, the appeal would be restoring relevance to one of the league’s most historic franchises — and doing so in the league’s largest media market.

#3. Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas offers both risk and opportunity.

The Raiders currently own the No. 1 overall pick, putting them in position to select a quarterback capable of reshaping the franchise. With options like Dante Moore or Fernando Mendoza on the board, Tomlin would finally have a chance to hand-pick his quarterback — something he rarely enjoyed in Pittsburgh.

The roster isn’t playoff-ready, but stars like Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers, paired with nearly $100 million in projected cap space, give Las Vegas a path to a rapid turnaround. For Tomlin, success in Vegas would add a new chapter to his legacy as a culture-builder.

#2. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay may not currently have a vacancy, but that could change.

Head coach Matt LaFleur is approaching a contract crossroads, and the Packers’ recent playoff disappointment has fueled speculation about the organization’s long-term direction. Should an opening emerge, Tomlin would instantly become one of the most compelling options available.

With Jordan Love firmly established as the team’s quarterback and a roster loaded with offensive talent, Green Bay would give Tomlin something he hasn’t had in years: stability under center. While the NFC North is competitive, the Packers are built to win now — and that could be hard for Tomlin to ignore.

#1. Atlanta Falcons

If Tomlin returns, Atlanta feels like the cleanest fit.

The Falcons boast one of the league’s most talented young offensive cores and compete in a division widely viewed as the most winnable in football. Despite questions surrounding quarterback Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta just finished tied for the NFC South lead and closed the season on a strong note.

Atlanta’s combination of roster talent, cap flexibility, and manageable divisional competition makes it an ideal landing spot for a veteran coach seeking immediate playoff relevance. If Tomlin is looking to reenter the league and quickly stack postseason appearances, the Falcons would be difficult to top.

#Final Thought

Mike Tomlin may not rush back into coaching, but when he does, the options will be plentiful. Whether he chooses a patient rebuild or a win-now contender, his next move will shape the league’s coaching landscape for years to come.