Why hiring ex-Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is a big win for NBC's NFL coverage
Why hiring ex-Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is a big win for NBC's NFL coverage
Nate Davis, USA TODAY Tue, April 21, 2026 at 3:56 PM UTC
0
Why hiring ex-Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is a big win for NBC's NFL coverage
NBC's NFL coverage for the upcoming 2026 season − aside from its marquee "Sunday Night Football" lineup − might have just gotten a lot more riveting.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will be joining the network's pre-game coverage, USA TODAY Sports has learned, according to a person familiar with the situation. That person was granted anonymity because NBC has not yet made an official announcement. The Athletic first reported Tomlin's plans, the Peacock evidently winning out over Fox while bidding for his services.
Must See TV indeed − as Tomlin's news conferences so often were.
His quick wit, typical deadpan delivery, deep trove of football knowledge and experience were long expected to make him a media superstar whenever he decided to make that transition. Viewers can only hope for an expanded menu of signature Tomlin metaphors during "Football Night in America" after being treated to such gems over the years as "Two dogs, one bone," "We want volunteers, not hostages," "I'm fundamentally against comfort," and "I expect routine catches to be made routinely." And, of course, "The standard is the standard."
Advertisement
Tomlin, 54, is essentially replacing Tony Dungy, for whom he served as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers more than two decades ago and earned a Super Bowl ring. Dungy announced his departure from NBC in March.
1 / 02026 NFL offseason tracker: Player signings, trades
OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans)
Tomlin stepped down as Pittsburgh's coach after the 2025 season, ending a 19-year tenure in the Steel City. He's mostly kept a low profile since leaving the Steelers in January following a decisive playoff loss to the Houston Texans. Under his guidance, the franchise reached two Super Bowls and became the first to capture six Lombardi Trophies, prevailing in Super Bowl 43 to cap his second year in 2008. Tomlin's career record is 201-126-2 including postseason. He never had a losing campaign.
Tomlin is expected to join the crew that consists of host Maria Taylor, former Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett and former New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty.
All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Tomlin joining NBC, Football Night in America for 2026 season
Source: “AOL Sports”
