Tomlin steps down; Rodgers unlikely to return to Steelers, retirement possible

Cbssports: Following Monday night's 30-6 playoff loss to the Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin decided to step down after 19 seasons, and Aaron Rodgers is not expected to return to Pittsburgh with Tomlin gone — with retirement a possibility this offseason, per NFL Media.

Steelers owner Art Rooney II acknowledged on Wednesday that Tomlin's decision would affect Rodgers' future: "Aaron came here to play for Mike, so it'll likely impact his decision," Rooney said. In Rodgers' one season with Pittsburgh the team won the AFC North at 10-7, and Rodgers completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions; he currently ranks No. 5 on the NFL's all-time passing list with 66,274 yards and No. 4 in passing touchdowns with 527.

Rodgers had previously alluded to 2025 being his final season after signing a one-year deal, but he said the disappointing outcome vs. Houston "would not impact his decision" and added, "I'm not going to make any emotional decisions at this point," calling the season "such a fun year." Pittsburgh faces a major reset in 2026 and "won't just be in the market for a new coach, but likely a new quarterback as well," and it remains unclear whether Rodgers will retire or return.

Key Topics

Sports, Mike Tomlin, Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Art Rooney Ii