Mike Tomlin has served as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach for 18 years, a rare tenure in today’s NFL. Despite his accomplishments, analyst Ryan Clark believes it may be time for Tomlin to move on. During an emotional appearance on ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith on Thursday, Clark reflected on his former team and voiced his thoughts on the franchise’s future.
“I believe Mike Tomlin should coach in another organization,” Clark said during his appearance in ESPN. “Mike Tomlin should be the fresh voice somewhere else.”
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (left) jokes with safety Ryan Clark (right) during training camp at Saint Vincent College.
July 28, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (left) jokes with safety Ryan Clark (right) during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Clark made it clear he isn’t calling for Tomlin to be fired. In his words, Tomlin is “un-fireable,” and any departure should come from Tomlin himself deciding that his time in Pittsburgh has run its course.
“I believe, as great as a coach as he is, and he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer, I believe his voice has run stale there. I believe he’s allowed that team to reach the highest of heights they are going to reach unless they get a top-tier quarterback,” Clark continued.
Mike Tomlin overachieving with the Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin visits the field during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Jan 28, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin visits the field during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Clark acknowledged that during the years when Tomlin had Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell, and Antonio Brown, the Steelers fell short of expectations. However, in more recent seasons—with aging Roethlisberger and a carousel of quarterbacks like Mason Rudolph, Duck Hodges, and Kenny Pickett—Clark believes Tomlin has overachieved by still managing to produce winning records.
The veteran ESPN analyst suggested that Tomlin could find renewed success with a different team, similar to the path Andy Reid took after leaving Philadelphia and building a championship contender in Kansas City.
Clark emphasized that the biggest obstacle for Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh is the team’s failure to secure a reliable quarterback. He was stunned the Steelers didn’t select Shedeur Sanders when he was still on the board at pick No. 83 in this year’s draft.
In Clark’s view, the front office’s rumored interest in Aaron Rodgers may have influenced the decision, as they possibly didn’t want to create a dynamic where Rodgers wouldn’t be the center of attention. Ultimately, Clark believes this mindset shows the organization wasn’t serious about giving Tomlin the quarterback he needs, and had no real intention of drafting Sanders at any point.
Will Mike Tomlin stay with the Steelers?
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Ryan Clark’s perspective is bold, particularly when it touches on the possible conclusion of Mike Tomlin’s long-standing run with the Steelers. Still, the idea of Tomlin bringing his leadership and experience to a new team is compelling. He’s proven he can build and sustain success, and that pedigree would make him an attractive candidate for any franchise looking to revitalize its culture and compete at a high level. A move away from Pittsburgh could open the door to an exciting new chapter in Tomlin’s storied career.