The NFL head coaching landscape will drastically change in 2026 after several teams made changes after Super Bowl 60, but the Pittsburgh Steelers not having Mike Tomlin will take fans time to adjust to.

Pittsburgh opted to make a change with their legendary head coach after 19 straight NFL seasons. However, Tomlin hadn’t given the organization a proper goodbye until Thursday night.

MORE: Kyler Murray reveals shocking NFL fandom after joining Minnesota Vikings

During the Ireland Funds Gala, Tomlin and his wife, Kiya, received a special honor. The Tomlin family was given the Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award for the former head coach’s lasting impact.

Mike Tomlin’s first public comments since resigning from the Steelers come as he and his wife Kiya are honored with the Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award at the Ireland Funds Gala. pic.twitter.com/K6yjU2Ztno

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) March 13, 2026

The event marks the chance for both Tomlin and the Steelers to prepare for life without one another. This comes as Mike McCarthy takes over the Pittsburgh head coaching role heading into the 2026 season.

“We were here for a long and really good time,” Tomlin said at the Ireland Funds Gala. “It’s been an honor to serve the greatest organization in sports … We’re in somewhat of a nomadic business and so we don’t take that for granted.”

The 53 year old took over the Steelers reigns in 2007 after former head coach Bill Cowher left the organization. Cowher’s move to CBS has led to a second act in his career as a successful NFL analyst.

MORE: Details emerge on Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s restructured contract

However, many NFL fans are curious what will come next for Tomlin as he prepares for a career shift. It’s likely that Tomlin takes at least a year off from coaching before jumping back into coaching.

The AFC North saw three teams make head coaching changes after the 205 NFL season, including Tomlin, John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski. However, Harbaugh has taken over with the New York Giants and Stefanski landed a new role with the Atlanta Falcons.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

NFL: 3 players whose fantasy stock went down after 2026’s NFL free agency cycle 

WBC: World Baseball Classic title odds, where Team USA stands

SOCCER: Historic soccer country reps Jordan Brand for 2026 FIFA World Cup

ENTERTAINMENT: Social media uncovers ‘Survivor’ connection with NBA legend’s brother

SPORTS MEDIA: NBC makes major decision on Tony Dungy’s ‘Sunday Night Football’future

VIRAL: Social media star Livvy Dunne lands role in steamy ‘Baywatch’ reboot

The post Mike Tomlin gives proper Pittsburgh Steelers farewell after 19 NFL seasons appeared first on The Big Lead.

Two months after shockingly resigning from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin finally made his first major public appearance since leaving the team on Thursday.

He and his wife, Kiya, received the Patricia R. Rooney Award for Community Impact. After receiving the award, Tomlin gave a speech where he thanked the Steelers and expressed his appreciation for the organization.

“They often say you’re here for a good time, not a long time, like you have to choose,” Tomlin told the audience. “I think our experience here in Pittsburgh and the great Steelers organization exemplifies that. We were here for a long and really good time.”

Tomlin was Pittsburgh’s head coach for 19 seasons, winning a Super Bowl and never finishing with a losing record. He was one of the most successful head coaches in NFL history with 201 career wins in the regular season and playoffs combined.

Tomlin also took a moment to thank the community and explain what it means to his family.

“It’s been an honor to serve the greatest organization in sports. It’s an honor to be a part of this great community to call home, for our kids to call home,” Tomlin continued. “It’s been an honor to serve the community in which we live, its values that we hold. It will continue…We’ve been extremely blessed.”

Tomlin does not have a coaching job at the moment and is expected to take the year off, although he may pursue a media role.

More Steelers: Steelers Reportedly Reach Agreement With Four-Year Veteran, Pittsburgh Native

The post Mike Tomlin Breaks Silence With First Public Comments Since Leaving Steelers appeared first on SportsNet Pittsburgh.