Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode: BREAKING: Mike Tomlin steps down from Steelers, what’s next?
Date: January 13, 2026
Hosts: Dianna Russini, James Palmer, with guest Mike DeFabo (The Athletic)

Overview

This emergency episode of Scoop City breaks down the stunning news: legendary head coach Mike Tomlin is stepping down from the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons. Hosts Dianna Russini and James Palmer, along with Steelers beat reporter Mike DeFabo, dig into how and why Tomlin came to this decision, the reaction inside Pittsburgh and beyond, the future for Tomlin and the Steelers organization, and how this move influences a wild NFL coaching carousel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. How Did This Happen? Inside the Tomlin Decision

• Rumblings Preceded Announcement:
  • Around the league, insiders and executives sensed Tomlin might step away, but the move still stunned much of the broader NFL public.
  • Dianna: “There’s been some rumblings…leading into this weekend a bunch of people around the league started to learn that this was going to be it for him, that he was going to step away.” (04:05)
• Not a Surprise for Insiders:
  • Many people knew Tomlin had considered this kind of move for years; this season felt particularly serious.
  • Key distinction: Tomlin “stepping away” (not fired, not “retiring”), perhaps more “Sean Payton style”—a pause rather than a permanent departure.

2. Tomlin’s Next Steps: TV? Another Sideline? Time Off?

• Strong TV Interest:
  • Every network has shown interest in Tomlin, especially Fox.
  • Diana: “Fox would be the place for him if he were to decide to do TV just based on the needs they have there…he’s got some good relationships and connections with the people over at Fox.” (07:56)
• Could He Return to Coaching?
  • To coach elsewhere in 2026, Tomlin would need to be traded, since he still has a year on his contract.
  • Both hosts agree: for now, sources expect him to truly step away from football, but everything is fluid.
  • James: “Everybody is fascinated about what’s next for Mike Tomlin. I do think ‘time’ is a word we’re going to use repeatedly.” (06:46)

3. Mike Tomlin’s Legacy: A Culture-Builder and Leader

• Players’ Coach, National Admiration:

  • Many players, even on other teams, say they’d love to play for him.
  • James: “There’s so many players…that play for other teams that go, man, I would love to play for Mike Tomlin.” (10:14)

• Touching Player Stories:

  • Mike DeFabo shares how Tomlin helped former lineman Willie Colon during depression:
    • “He literally saved my life because of the state I was in…he values his players as people. He does not see you as number eight. He doesn’t see you as just some other tight end.” (15:47)
  • Tomlin’s personal touch: knows players’ high school mascots, area codes, background details; connects with people in a chameleon-like way.

• Memorable Quote:

  • Tomlin to Dianna (after a tough question about Le’Veon Bell): “On this team, we only want volunteers, not hostages.” (22:08)

4. Why Are Steelers Fans So Divided?

• Playoff Drought the Main Issue:
  • Nationally, Tomlin is revered, but Pittsburgh fans were restless due to playoff failures.
  • Mike DeFabo: “There are kids…the last time the Steelers won a playoff game, they weren’t even born. So you’ve got a fanbase that’s used to competing for Super Bowls, and they can’t make it out of the first round.” (13:39)
  • Only six NFL teams have a longer active playoff dry spell.
• Locker Room Support:
  • Despite fan criticism, Tomlin remained beloved by players:
    • Pat Freiermuth: “[He] is the best coach that he’s ever played for.” (15:47)

5. What’s Next for the Steelers? The Rare Coaching Search Begins

• Elite Job, Historic Stability:
  • DeFabo: “Being a Steelers head coach is almost like being a Supreme Court justice…there have been fewer popes than Steelers head coaches since 1969.” (19:43)
• Search Direction:
  • Traditionally, a defensive, young coach, but organization may evolve, given recent QB failures post-Roethlisberger.
  • DeFabo: “Until they identify that next coach who can groom the quarterback, they’re really not moving forward as an organization.” (19:43)
• Steelers’ Ownership Already Working:
  • Dianna: “I can tell you that the Steelers have done some work behind the scenes…some conversations with some candidates over the last few weeks.” (25:33)

6. Coaching Carousel: Harbaugh, Stefanski, Raiders, More

• John Harbaugh Watch:
  • Falcons, Giants, Titans are front-runners for the (now-former) Ravens coach (31:06).
  • AFC jobs less likely: “Staying out of the AFC has been part of this.” (32:07)
  • Atlanta’s structure and relationships (ownership, Matt Ryan, ESPN connections) make it a surprisingly viable fit (33:11).
  • Titans job rising in esteem: “The Mike Borgonzi factor has received A’s across the board from candidates because he knows what he’s doing.” (35:22)
  • Location/family/schools (Nashville) are a big factor for coaching candidates.
• Pittsburgh as an Opening:
  • Strong ownership, tradition, but presenting a rebuilding roster and no clear QB solution.
  • Dianna: “Their best players are all over 30…quarterback is the issue.” (38:31)
• Raiders Job:
  • More attractive due to cash flexibility, Tom Brady’s involvement.
  • Candidates noted: Brian Dabol, Brian Flores (44:33), but could go outside the box (Davis Webb name floated).
• Kevin Stefanski:
  • “Has interviewed everywhere…He can be picky.” (42:29)
  • Miami, Atlanta, Tennessee, Giants — all strong mutual interest.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dianna Russini:
  • “On this team, we only want volunteers, not hostages.” (22:08)
  • “There have been fewer popes than Pittsburgh Steelers head coaches since 1969.” (19:43)
• Mike DeFabo:
  • On Tomlin’s compassion: “He literally saved my life…He values his players as people.” (15:47)
  • “I almost can’t believe that they actually did it just because he has had such job security.” (25:10)
• James Palmer:
  • “There’s so many players…that play for other teams that go, man, I would love to play for Mike Tomlin.” (10:14)
  • “Time is a key factor and really, breaking precedent—both of those things seem to have come to a head at the same time.” (38:21)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [03:15] Show begins, Tomlin stepping down context
• [04:05] Diana details rumors and context of Tomlin's decision
• [06:05] The end of an era: Tomlin and Harbaugh out
• [07:56] Tomlin’s TV options and legacy
• [10:14] Why players love Tomlin, league-wide reaction
• [13:39] Mike DeFabo: Pittsburgh’s playoff drought impacts fan view
• [15:47] DeFabo: Tomlin’s player relationships and legacy stories
• [17:48] Palmer & Rossini share personal Tomlin stories
• [19:43] What’s next for the Steelers – search for next head coach
• [21:04] Tomlin’s famous “volunteers, not hostages” quote story
• [25:33] Steelers already prepping for the coaching search
• [29:36] Steelers ownership’s preparedness and candidate contacts
• [31:06] Harbaugh, candidates for coaching vacancies, coaching cycle overview
• [38:31] Pittsburgh’s job appeal, aging roster, quarterback issues
• [42:29] Kevin Stefanski interviews, coaching candidates' strategies
• [44:33] The Raiders coaching job: expectations and rumors

Additional Observations & Tone

• The conversation is fast, energetic, blends reporting with storytelling and humor.
• Hosts openly share their respect for Tomlin—emphasizing his leadership, character, and unique impact on both players and fellow coaches.
• The episode cycles quickly between hard reporting (“here’s what we know…”) and behind-the-scenes color about personalities, ownership dynamics, and the quirks of the modern coaching search process.
• Memorable moments include personal stories of Tomlin’s interactions—his concern for players’ well-being, his legendary dry wit, and his lasting influence on the Steelers identity.
• The tone shifts to excitement and intrigue as both the Steelers and the rest of the NFL enter an offseason of rare upheaval and opportunity.

Summary Takeaway

Mike Tomlin’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary era in Pittsburgh—and the start of a high-stakes, highly-scrutinized coaching search. The NFL world is left to ponder how the Steelers will evolve, how Tomlin will shape his next act, and how this coaching carousel—punctuated by major vacancies and seismic shifts—will remake the league yet again.