Jonnu Smith
Getty
Jonnu Smith didn't hold back when discussing Darnell Washington after getting released by the Steelers
After being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers from the Miami Dolphins ahead of the 2025 season, veteran tight end Jonnu Smith was released earlier this offseason. The former Pro-Bowler spent the season as a rotational piece in a deep tight end room. Now 30, Smith is on the hunt for his next destination.
While speaking with NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Smith chatted about his time in Pittsburgh. More specifically, he talked about his time being coached by former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Nothing but positive things were said about the Super Bowl-winning head coach.
Mike Tomlin’s Bond With Former Pittsburgh Steelers Players Runs Deep
Mike Tomlin
GettyMike Tomlin led the Steelers to 13 playoff appearances in 19 seasons.
Here is what Smith had to say to Schultz about his experience playing for the future Hall of Fame coach in Tomlin:
“Being around him for that season and listening to him in his team meeting every day, it was unlike any other thing I’ve been around…All of the compliments don’t do it justice. Just him being able to connect with guys and command a room, every word that he said, you felt it. He meant it. It takes a lot of leadership capabilities to be able to be a great role model for guys like us.”
This is not the first time that a former or current Steeler has shared positive reviews of Tomlin. In fact, a major reason why future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers came to play for the Steelers in 2025 was because of Tomlin. You don’t just randomly become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and NFL legend. Leadership is a massive part of the job, and Tomlin has arguably been the best at it since he was hired back in 2007.
Tomlin’s impact on Smith was clearly felt. Despite recording what was almost a career-low in receiving yards (222), Smith played in all 17 regular-season games for the third consecutive season and had a catch percentage of over 70% for the fourth consecutive season on his fourth different team in that same span.
Expect Mike Tomlin to Coach Again Down the Road
Tomlin.
GettyMike Tomlin’s 193 regular-season wins are tied for the most in Steelers history.
When you have such a long track record of winning and excellence, coaching might be hard to turn off. This is especially the case if you are a true leader of men like Tomlin is. While he is rumored to be in the market for a job in television, don’t expect him to stick with that career path for a while. At the end of his career, he will have a bronze bust named after him in Canton, Ohio. It is because of his desire to coach and lead at the highest level. Now, it is a little hard to do that from behind a desk and in front of a camera.
There are coaching jobs that become available every offseason. This past season, there were 10 head-coaching openings. Look for Tomlin to have a chance to get back up on the coaching horse next season when a position becomes available.