Mike Tomlin, the long-tenured head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is both a revered figure in the NFL and a polarizing one in Pittsburgh. Since taking over as head coach, Tomlin has established a reputation for leadership, resilience, and consistency. Yet, despite never having a losing season, his inability to secure a playoff victory since 2017 has fueled growing criticism among Steelers fans, who question whether he can lead the team back to Super Bowl glory. However, the idea of trading or moving on from Tomlin remains highly contentious and, to many, outright foolish.
Tomlin’s leadership has kept the Steelers competitive year after year, earning him a place on the shortlist for Coach of the Year during the current season. His consistent ability to guide the team through challenges, even amid roster changes and controversies, underscores his value. Moreover, Tomlin recently signed a contract extension, signaling the Steelers’ commitment to him as their head coach. The only scenario in which Pittsburgh might entertain parting with Tomlin would involve a truly extraordinary trade offer—one so compelling it would be impossible to ignore.
This hypothetical scenario was recently proposed by former Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn. Speaking on Fox Sports’ *2 Pros & A Cup of Joe*, Quinn suggested that if the Browns decide to part ways with their current head coach, Kevin Stefanski, they should pursue a trade for Tomlin. Cleveland’s leadership, according to Quinn, would benefit immensely from Tomlin’s steady hand and motivational prowess. He urged Browns owner Jimmy Haslam to make the Steelers an offer they “can’t refuse” to secure Tomlin’s services.
“If they [the Browns] fire Stefanski, I would call,” Quinn stated. “If I’m Jimmy Haslam, I’m going to offer whatever it takes to get Mike Tomlin. At least make them say no. That would be the approach I would take.”
The notion is intriguing on one level: many NFL teams would jump at the chance to have a coach of Tomlin’s caliber. His consistency and adaptability have made him one of the most respected figures in professional football. However, imagining Tomlin coaching any team other than the Steelers is almost impossible. For Pittsburgh to even consider such a trade, the offer from Cleveland—or any team—would need to be monumental. It would likely involve multiple first-round draft picks, valuable roster players, or other significant assets. Even then, Steelers general manager Omar Khan and the ownership group would have to see a compelling reason to move on from a coach who remains deeply embedded in the team’s identity and culture.
On the other hand, Quinn’s proposal reflects a valid point about the Browns’ struggles with coaching consistency. Cleveland’s revolving door of head coaches has hampered the franchise’s growth, and a proven leader like Tomlin could stabilize the team. However, the chances of this scenario playing out are slim to none. Tomlin’s commitment to Pittsburgh, coupled with the organization’s loyalty to him, makes any trade for his services a far-fetched proposition.
In the end, Quinn’s idea highlights the value of stability at the head coaching position, particularly for a franchise like the Browns. While the trade is unlikely to materialize, it underscores the respect Tomlin commands across the league and the lengths to which other teams might go to secure a coach of his caliber. For the Steelers, though, Tomlin remains an indispensable part of their identity, making any potential trade improbable.
