When Mike Tomlin walked away from the Pittsburgh Steelers after the team’s exit from the playoffs in January, it split the fanbase. His resignation was a necessary catalyst in the franchise moving in the direction it has after Mike McCarthy was hired as head coach, sparking a relatively active free agency period, and setting up for the first NFL Draft to be held in Pittsburgh. Tomlin, who implied he was not interested in coaching in the league after his resignation – per multiple sources – didn’t completely rule out a return to the NFL. Now, his return may be imminent.
Teams across the league got the message that Tomlin was likely unavailable to them as a coaching option; no news ever leaked out that he had been courted by one of the other 31 teams in the NFL. There was some speculation that Tomlin could be pursued in other ways for a return, including as a sports analyst.
In a report on Tuesday, it appears that Tomlin is preparing to do just that.
Longtime sports media agent Sandy Montag and Alex Flanagan – a former sportscaster – have been linked to a signing and agreeing to represent Tomlin in potential contract negotiations and discussions with sports networks – including streaming services – per sources within the industry and Front Office Sports.
The publication stated,
“When Tomlin stepped away from the Pittsburgh job after 19 years and one Super Bowl championship earlier this year, the expectation was that he would ignite a bidding war amongst the NFL’s rights partners. While there are fewer former head coaches in broadcasting roles than there used to be, Tomlin is expected to have multiple suitors.”
There has been a shift and rotation of talent in the industry of late. With streaming services like Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Paramount+ joining the bidding for NFL coverage, traditional networks are scrambling to remain relevant and competitive in finding analysts and commentators to represent their programs. Tony Dungy, with NBC for 17 years, has been removed while CBS saw former quarterback Matt Ryan step away to join the front office of the Atlanta Falcons. Fox replaced former coach Jimmy Johnson with former tight end Rob Gronkowski previously. Other shifts are certain to occur, and it appears Tomlin may be testing those waters.
Montag – founder of The Montag Group (a division of former Wasserman and current The Team) – became well known for being the late, great John Madden’s agent. Montag, a talent agent as well as founder, and The Montag Group also reportedly represents sports commentary talent James Brown, Jim Nantz, Mike Tirico, Scott Van Pelt, and Dick Vitale.
Although the Montag Group has not confirmed, sources remain certain that the group now represents Tomlin in any potential talks to become a member of sportscasting – the likelihood of his joining an NFL-focused group highly expected.
Tomlin’s experience in the NFL as a coach, not just the 19 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, makes him a juicy target for sports groups like networks and streaming services. His insights are up there due to the level of his success – and comparison with Bill Belichick in number of winning seasons as a coach in the league.
Longtime fans of Tomlin who were unhappy that he walked away from the league may have an opportunity soon to see him return. His colloquialisms – often major sharing points – may endear him to networks and sports media groups looking for colorful, insightful analysis and an insider’s wealth of information on players, talent, schemes, and other aspects of the game.