Mike Tomlin shocked the sports world when he stepped down as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach this offseason. He held the position for almost 20 years, and he was a staple of the NFL. Now, it looks like Mike Tomlin’s next chapter might be revealed. Front Office Sports reported that sources told them that Tomlin has hired longtime sports media agent Sandy Montag. It looks like Tomlin could be gearing up for a potential media job.
The article also states that sources told them that Tomlin is expected to be represented by Montag and Alex Flanagan in potential contract talks with networks and streamers. Montag represents a number of notable sports media personalities, including Mike Tirico and Jim Nantz.
After Tomlin initially stepped down, reports indicated that he wouldn’t be returning to coaching this season. It was stated that he wanted to spend time with his family. Working in the NFL is demanding, so that’s not too surprising. Tomlin likely hasn’t had as much time as he would’ve wanted to spend with his family over the last two decades.
He accomplished a lot as a head coach, too. That includes never having a losing record and going to two Super Bowls, with one win. He didn’t have much left to prove.
Rumors have circled since Tomlin stepped down that he could make the leap to media. He’d be a perfect fit for it. He’s naturally charismatic, and he’s got a special way with words. Any network would likely jump at the chance to have him.
It’s unclear at the moment where Tomlin could land, if Front Office Sports’ report is true. NBC just had a spot open up when they let go of Tony Dungy. However, he was one of Tomlin’s mentors, and the two are still close, so the former Steelers head coach might not want to jump into that seat.
FOX could be an option, too. Tomlin has strong ties to FOX insider Jay Glazer, so that could give the network a leg up on the competition. However, it might simply be the highest bidder that ends up earning Tomlin’s services.
Tomlin wouldn’t be the first coach to go directly into media, either. Sean Payton did it a few years ago, “retiring” from the NFL and taking a job on television. That only lasted a year, though, before he returned to coaching. Maybe Tomlin could follow a similar path.
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