Tomlin's NBC Analyst Return
Former Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Returns to Pittsburgh as NBC Analyst
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Key Points
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Tomlin recently drew attention for a promotional dance video for NBC’s “Football Night in America,” despite his longstanding dislike of dancing and social-media antics.
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Tomlin’s past objections to JuJu Smith-Schuster’s pregame dancing centered less on competitive impact than on respect, saying, “We’re professionals ... But it’s about respect and so we’ll have a conversation.”
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The route mistake Rodgers criticized was specific: Wilson drifted too far upfield on an under route, leaving the play vulnerable to an interception—the outcome that occurred in practice.
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Rodgers said Wilson’s repeated mistake was a useful lesson, telling Steelers On SI, “That’s a good learning experience, because I don’t think he’s going to do that again.”
Mike Tomlin is settling into life after 19 seasons as Pittsburgh Steelers coach, trading the sideline for an NBC broadcast booth. The former head coach is enjoying his first free offseason in decades, focusing on family and wellness while serving as a television analyst HITC. Though he has not ruled out coaching again—noting he has "left certain doors ajar"—Tomlin says broadcasting is his current priority and is brushing aside speculation about potential job openings.
Tomlin returns to Acrisure Stadium in December as an analyst when the Steelers host Houston Larry Brown Sports, marking his first visit since last season's playoff loss ended his Pittsburgh tenure. He remains bullish on the Steelers' prospects under new coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, saying the team has the foundation to compete for a Super Bowl.
From Coaching Grind to Life Off the Sideline
For the first time since 1997, Tomlin is experiencing an August away from football obligations. He described retirement as "having the time of my life," enjoying the freedom to step back from year-round coaching demands HITC. The shift allows him to prioritize wellness and family time without the relentless schedule that defined his two decades in Pittsburgh.
Despite appearing in a promotional dance video for NBC's "Football Night in America"—a surprising move given his well-known aversion to dancing and social media antics—Tomlin is embracing his new role. He previously objected to JuJu Smith-Schuster's pregame dancing, framing the issue around respect rather than competitive impact: "We're professionals... But it's about respect."
Rodgers and Wilson Building Chemistry Through Tough Love
Aaron Rodgers has taken an active role in developing young receiver Roman Wilson, and Tomlin interprets the quarterback's public criticism as both accountability and instruction Kentucky. The specific issue: Wilson drifted too far upfield on an under route, leaving the play vulnerable to an interception—which occurred during practice.
Rodgers told Steelers On SI that Wilson's repeated mistake was "a good learning experience, because I don't think he's going to do that again." Tomlin's framing suggests this kind of direct feedback from a Hall of Famer helps young players grow faster. The quarterback's willingness to invest in Wilson's development signals confidence in the receiver's ceiling.
Super Bowl Expectations Rise With Rodgers' Return
Rodgers' decision to return to Pittsburgh raised expectations for a possible championship run. Tomlin expressed confidence that the Steelers have the foundation to compete in all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams—under McCarthy and Rodgers Larry Brown Sports. The reunion of Rodgers and McCarthy, who won Super Bowl XLV together in Green Bay, fuels hopes for similar success in Pittsburgh.
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