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Steelers Hire Mike McCarthy, Tomlin Resigns After 19 Seasons

8/11/2026

27 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Following a loss to the Texans, the Steelers replaced resigning head coach Mike Tomlin with former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy.
Tomlin left after 19 seasons without posting a losing record.
Alan Saunders of Steelers Now reported the Steelers would receive no draft compensation if Tomlin returns in 2027.
Mike Florio of NFL Network said Tomlin’s contract could make him a free agent, noting the contract language is not public.

History

Historical Context

After the Jets announced Bill Belichick as head coach in January 2000 (following the 1999 season), Patriots owner Robert Kraft sued, and Commissioner Paul Tagliabue forced New England to surrender a 2000 first-round draft pick as compensation. The dispute highlighted vague coaching contracts, prompting the NFL to tighten clauses—a pattern later seen in other franchise-coach negotiations.

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Story summary

Following a loss to the Texans, the Steelers replaced resigning head coach Mike Tomlin with former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy.
Tomlin left after 19 seasons without posting a losing record.
Alan Saunders of Steelers Now reported the Steelers would receive no draft compensation if Tomlin returns in 2027.
Mike Florio of NFL Network said Tomlin’s contract could make him a free agent, noting the contract language is not public.

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