The NFL was shaken to its foundations when Mike Tomlin confirmed he was stepping away from the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons as head coach. Reports suggest that a job in television is next up for the respected figure, but teams around the league will be keeping a close eye on developments after that.
And that could pile even more pressure on Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn to get things trending upward in 2026.
Tomlin's credentials need no introduction. He's a players' coach. He never had a losing season in Pittsburgh. The respect he is held in around the league is unparalleled. However, the lack of playoff success in recent years may have led to this long relationship running its course.
Broadcasters will be falling over themselves to hire Tomlin as an analyst, whether in the studio or on the field. He'll have his pick of jobs, much like Sean Payton did after leaving the New Orleans Saints. Taking some time away is almost assured, but the coaching fire still burns within.
Commanders named as possible landing spot for Mike Tomlin if Dan Quinn doesn't turn things around
If Tomlin becomes receptive to offers next year, the queue of suitors would be astronomical, even if they have to give the Steelers some draft compensation (they still hold his rights). Douglas Fritz from Clutch Points thought the Commanders could be one of them if Quinn cannot steady the ship after a disappointing second campaign at the helm.
"This is a dark-horse pick because the Commanders’ organization hasn’t been a paragon of steadiness. However, the Commanders have a young quarterback in Jayden Daniels who might catch [Mike] Tomlin’s eye. And if Dan Quinn can’t get things going back in the right direction, the Commanders might send him packing before the 2026 season is gone. Tomlin is a native of Hampton, Virginia, which is less than a three-hour drive from Washington."Douglas Fritz
There is more pressure on Quinn after a 5-12 season. He's parted ways with both coordinators, so there are no real scapegoats left to take the fall. Unless significant improvements materialize, one couldn't rule out Washington going in a different direction.
Hopefully, that won't be the case. The Commanders cannot afford to waste another year of Jayden Daniels' rookie deal. They need to be more competitive next time, and the microscope is squarely on Quinn to galvanize the troops. General manager Adam Peters needs to do his part on the personnel side, but all hope is not lost yet by any stretch of the imagination.
At the same time, this is Year 3 for Quinn. The good graces attained during Washington's run to the NFC Championship are gone. The ice underneath him is much more fragile, and the chances of him being fired are high if the Commanders aren't in the playoff mix next season.
And if the axe does fall, Tomlin instantly becomes the No. 1 option.