Steelers Reject Bears’ Inquiry About Trading for Coach Mike Tomlin

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Chicago Bears recently explored the possibility of acquiring longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, only to have their inquiry swiftly rejected, league sources told ESPN. The Bears, in search of a new head coach, reached out to the Steelers to gauge Tomlin’s availability, but discussions never progressed to the coach himself.

Tomlin, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, remains firmly entrenched in Pittsburgh. At least one other team also inquired about Tomlin but was similarly rebuffed. The Steelers have no intention of parting ways with their head coach, despite the team’s fifth consecutive one-and-done playoff appearance this season.

“I understand the nature of what it is that we do, the attention and criticism that comes with it,” Tomlin said during his season-ending news conference. “As a matter of fact, I embrace it, to be quite honest with you. I enjoy the urgency that comes with what I do and what we do.”

Tomlin, 52, signed a three-year contract extension last offseason, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid head coaches. Since taking over in 2007, he has never had a losing season and boasts a career record of 183-107-2. He is the second-winningest coach in Steelers history, trailing only Chuck Noll.

The Bears, meanwhile, are casting a wide net in their head coaching search. They have interviewed a diverse group of candidates, including interim head coach Thomas Brown, former head coaches Pete Carroll and Mike McCarthy, and several current coordinators. Chicago fired Matt Eberflus after two-plus seasons following a 5-12 campaign that included a 10-game losing streak.

Despite their struggles, the Bears offer an attractive roster for their next head coach, featuring quarterback Caleb Williams, the 2024 first overall pick, and standout players like wide receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, and cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

The Steelers, meanwhile, are coming off a 10-7 season that ended with a wild-card round loss. While Tomlin’s tenure has been marked by consistent regular-season success, the team has not won a playoff game since the 2016 season, fueling frustration among some fans.

“I don’t make excuses for failure. I own it, but I also feel like I’m capable, and so as long as I’m afforded an opportunity to do that, I will continue,” Tomlin said. “But I certainly understand their frustrations, and probably more important than that, I share it because that’s how I’m wired.”

The Bears’ attempt to acquire Tomlin underscores their desire to land a proven leader. However, with Tomlin committed to Pittsburgh and the Steelers unwilling to entertain offers, Chicago will need to look elsewhere to fill their head coaching vacancy.