PITTSBURGH – Following the resignation of head coach Mike Tomlin after 19 seasons, Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II made it clear that the franchise will not enter a rebuilding phase. During a press conference on January 3, 2026, Rooney stated that the expectation for the next head coach remains unchanged: the team must strive to compete for a championship each year.
Rooney, 73, expressed his disapproval of the term “rebuild,” asserting that he does not see the value in wasting a year without a focus on competition. “I’m not going to say, ‘Well, we’re going to take a couple of years to figure this out,’” he emphasized. “I think you try every year. Some years you have the horses to really get there. Some years you don’t, but you try every year, in my view.”
The Steelers are in the process of searching for their fourth head coach since 1969. Rooney confirmed he will lead the search alongside general manager Omar Khan. Rooney’s son, Dan Rooney, who serves as the vice president of business development and strategy, was present during the announcement.
Historically, the Steelers have seen success with new coaches. Two of the last three coaches began their tenures with winning seasons. Rooney noted Tomlin’s early success, which included a Super Bowl victory and a remarkable streak of never finishing a season with a losing record. Despite this, he acknowledged the recent frustrations surrounding the team’s lack of playoff success, stating, “It’s been a winning era. Always in contention. So I think when you start with that, you have the opportunity to take the next step.”
Tomlin led the Steelers to a 10-6 record in his first season and won the Super Bowl the following year. After reaching another Super Bowl two years later, he faced challenges that prevented a return to championship contention. Bill Cowher, who coached the Steelers for 15 seasons before Tomlin, also started strong, achieving an 11-5 record in his first year and securing a Super Bowl appearance in his fourth season.
Rooney highlighted the legacy of former coaches like Chuck Noll, who experienced early struggles but ultimately led the team to four Super Bowl titles. “We’re going to be an open book in terms of who we look for,” Rooney said, indicating the possibility of considering candidates beyond the typical profile of young defensive assistants.
As the search for a new head coach commences, the Steelers also face the challenge of finding a starting quarterback. Rooney noted that Tomlin’s departure could impact the future of Aaron Rodgers, who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers prior to the 2025 season. “Aaron came here to play for Mike, so I think it would most likely affect his decision,” Rooney stated.
Reflecting on Tomlin’s decision, Rooney admitted he was not surprised when informed of the resignation. He noted that after nearly two decades in the role, Tomlin recognized the inevitability of change. Rooney revealed that Tomlin’s decision seemed more “family-related” than “football-related,” and he did not anticipate a return to coaching in the near future.
As the Steelers move forward, the organization remains committed to maintaining their competitive spirit while navigating this transitional period. The new head coach will be tasked not only with leading the team but also with reinvigorating a fan base eager for a return to postseason glory.
