PITTSBURGH -- Mike Tomlin has stepped down as Steelers coach, ending a 19-year run during which he never had a losing season.

Tomlin, 53, is not expected to coach elsewhere in 2026, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Steelers announced Tomlin’s decision Tuesday afternoon, saying his track record “will likely never be duplicated.”

Tomlin said in a statement that he decided to step down “after much thought and reflection.”

“This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team,” he said. “I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.

“I want to also thank Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team.”

Tomlin, who had 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 Houston 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 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 Detroit Lions and tied Chuck Noll for ninth with 193 regular-season wins in a Week 18 victory against the Baltimore Ravens that clinched the AFC North title.

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 have kept him with the team throughout 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.

“While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change,” Tomlin said in his statement. “I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh.”

Before his resignation, Tomlin was the longest-tenured head coach of a 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.

“My family and I, and everyone connected to Steelers management, are forever grateful for the passion and dedication Mike Tomlin has devoted to Steelers football.”

For all his accomplishments, Tomlin ended his historic tenure in Pittsburgh with a frustrating nineyear postseason victory drought. Despite winning a Super Bowl, two conference championships and eight division titles, Tomlin’s teams went a cumulative 8-12 in postseason play. His last postseason win was an 18-16 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016.

At his postgame news conference Monday night, Tomlin offered little assurance that he would return to the Steelers, a departure from his message after previous season-ending losses. Players, though, supported their head coach in the aftermath of the loss, including Rodgers, who signed a one-year contract in May 2025.

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