Mike Tomlin Joins NBC Sports, Speculation Arises on Coaching Return

In January, Mike Tomlin stepped down as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons. This decision followed the team’s exit in the first round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans. Tomlin has since transitioned to a new role with NBC Sports, appearing on pre-game, halftime, and postgame coverage of ‘Sunday Night Football’ games.

While Tomlin seems to enjoy broadcasting, rumors persist about a potential return to coaching. Hall of Famer Cris Carter recently sparked further speculation by criticizing Philadelphia Eagles’ coach Nick Sirianni while chatting with Kay Adams. Carter suggested Tomlin as a fitting alternative for the Eagles.

Carter commented, “It takes a bad coach to do what he did at the end of the game, and that was take victory away from NFL players,” referring to a decision by Sirianni. He added, “The head coach’s job is to put those guys in a situation that they can be successful, and he didn’t do that.”

Carter was discussing an incident in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. With only eight seconds left, the Eagles appeared to win with a field goal. However, the decision not to kick the ball into the end zone for a touchback allowed the Jaguars a return, leading to a field goal and a win for Jacksonville. Sirianni admitted responsibility for the decision that ultimately led to the Eagles’ loss.

Carter pondered the outcome if Tomlin were in Sirianni’s place. “What would Mike Tomlin have done in that situation?” he asked, expressing confidence that Tomlin would have made a different choice.

Earlier this year, Tomlin appeared on Pro Football Focus’s NFL Show. He mentioned his continued love for coaching and noted, “learned to never say never.” However, he clarified that he would only consider the “ideal job,” implying not all NFL teams would interest him for his next coaching role.

For now, Sirianni remains with the Eagles, and Tomlin enjoys his role at NBC Sports. Yet, Carter’s comments highlight an interesting scenario, given Tomlin’s experience and successful background, should there be any change in the Eagles’ coaching staff.