NFL Fans React To Mike Tomlin's TV Role For 2026

Mike Tomlin will reportedly embark on a new career in sports media.

According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, Tomlin will join NBC as a studio analyst. The former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach will appear on Sunday's "Football Night in America" pre-game show.

Tomlin was considered a hot broadcasting free agent ever since stepping down after 19 seasons with the Steelers. Marchand said Tomlin was NBC's "No. 1 target," adding that Fox was considered a front-runner for his services following Jimmy Johnson's retirement.

NFL world reacts to Tomlin news

The sports world already has massive expectations for Tomlin's new gig. Fans think the 54-year-old will be a natural on TV.

"He's going to be great," Easton Freeze of A to Z Sports Nashville said.

"Tomlin will flourish in this environment," Baltimore Ravens podcaster Samuel Njoku wrote.

"Tomlin will be amazing at TV," ESPN analyst Dan Orlovosky predicted. "Production meetings with him for games were always 'bring em empty notebook' type ones. Captivating in every sense of the word."



"Mike Tomlin will immediately be the most entertaining person NBC has on Football Night in America," Behind The Steel Curtain's Joey Bray declared.

"He's going to be the best to ever do it," a Steelers fan claimed.

More changes ahead for NBC?

NBC's studio show could look different beyond Tomlin's addition.

The network began a potential offseason shakeup by parting ways with another Super Bowl-winning head coach. Tony Dungy will exit NBC after 17 years, and more changes could be on the way.

Marchand called the status of Rodney Harrison, Chris Simms, and Jac Collinsworth "in question" as NBC "seeks more current star power and fewer people on the show." They also must renew Devin McCourty's contract before the start of the 2026 season.

Maria Taylor will return as host alongside former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is expected to remain a "Football Night in America" contributor.

Tomlin also may not see much of NBC's Connecticut studio. NBC is considering a full-time move to conducting pre-game shows at the site of Sunday night's games.

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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 8:29 AM.