The Steelers announced Tomlin's decision Tuesday afternoon, saying his track record "will likely never be duplicated."
Tomlin, who has two years remaining on his contract, informed Steelers players of his decision to walk away at their 2 p.m. ET meeting Tuesday, one day after Pittsburgh was eliminated from the playoffs with a 30-6 loss to the Texans in the AFC wild-card round.
"During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our Head Coach," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement. "Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years."
Tomlin, 53, leaves Pittsburgh with the unprecedented accomplishment of never having a losing season in nearly two decades at the helm of the franchise. He clinched his 200th career NFL victory in Week 16 against the Lions and tied Chuck Noll for ninth with 193 regular-season wins in a Week 18 victory against the Ravens that clinched the AFC North titl.
With Tomlin's departure, the Steelers will begin the search for just their fourth head coach since 1969. Tomlin signed an extension in 2024 that could've kept him with the team through the 2027 season, including a club option that had a decision date of March 1, 2026.
Because Tomlin resigned while still under contract, the Steelers will retain his coaching rights and could negotiate compensation if he returns to an NFL sideline before the end of the 2027 season.
Before his resignation, Tomlin was the longest-tenured head coach of a single North American professional sports franchise.
"It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin," Rooney said in his statement. "He guided the franchise to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career. His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated
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