Mike Tomlin Dreamers Are Emboldened
January 13th, 2026
Yeah, there are plenty of Bucs fans actively hoping Todd Bowles is not the team’s head coach for the 2026 season.
And the hope to which they cling got a little stickier last night.
It’s been widely reported that Team Glazer made a quick run at fired Ravens head coach John Harbaugh last week but passed when it was learned Harbaugh was seeking absolute power, kind of like what Bill Belicheat had in New England.
It’s understandable the Bucs turned Harbaugh down in a hurry. There’s no evidence he would be a good football overlord/head coach, and Harbaugh turns 64 in September.
Do you really want to turn your entire football operation over to a guy that might retire after a few years?
And that brings Joe to Mike Tomlin, the 19-year Steelers head coach who has never had a losing season. The “Fire Tomlin” chants returned loud and proud again last night after Pittsburgh was blown out at home by the Texans in the wild card round of the playoffs. There’s been rampant speculation that Tomlin and the Steelers may part ways.
While there have been rumors of Tomlin jumping to television, Tomlin says coaching is his DNA.
“I’m institutionalized, man,” Tomlin said, via SI.com. “I gotta have it. I just love the challenges week in and week out that this job provides: the growth in it, the collective growth, the individual growth. A lot of lessons I’ve learned in life has been through my football experiences. I’ve been on a team eery year of my life, man, since 1980.”
Tomlin, 53, was a Tampa Bay assistant coach for five years under Tony Dungy (1 year) and Jon Gruden (4 years). He also appeared in the new and fantastic Raise The Flags! Buccaneers documentary on Amazon Prime. Tomlin also is very close friend of legendary Bucs cornerback Rondé Barber, who also works for the Bucs. Barber chose Tomlin to present him with his gold jacket at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
If Team Glazer pounced on calling Harbaugh when he was fired, Joe would wager a few nickels the Bucs owners would call Tomlin if he and the Steelers were to part ways this week.
Joe has no clue what might happen in Pittsburgh, but Joe does know a lot of Bucs fans are paying attention.
January 13th, 2026 at 6:58 am
Tomlinson and Bowles are the same coach lol no chance glazers would make that move for him
January 13th, 2026 at 6:58 am
Tomlin *
January 13th, 2026 at 7:17 am
Tomlin is an upgrade over Bowles but just look at how he has run things in Pittsburgh, hiring Arthur Smith as OC is kind of a Dungy like move and in the 2020s you need a dynamic mind not someone who will get you 16 points a game where you hope and pray your D can win a 16-13 rock fight which is how Bowles and Tomlin seem to like to win though Tomlin has used a DC who is probably much better at his job than Bowles is at his.
January 13th, 2026 at 7:21 am
1999 Toyota Camry
January 13th, 2026 at 7:25 am
How quickly some forget that Bruce Arians was Mike Tomlin’s first offensive coordinator after Tomlin took over as head coach in 2007.
January 13th, 2026 at 7:26 am
No! No retreads or journeyman coaches and QBs. Time for the Bucs to go with young, new blood. Oh wait they had but chose Todd instead….
January 13th, 2026 at 7:34 am
With timing Tomlin it’s a matter of having the right coaches. He doesn’t call plays and I can listen to him speak without falling asleep. He would have a GM that gave him offensive weapons. Steelers can have Bowles, I would love to see Dan reaction the first time cam Heyward dropped in coverage
January 13th, 2026 at 7:42 am
Feel bad for Mike, tough loss. Like Harbaugh, maybe it’s time for a change for him too. If he was to be let go, he will have teams lining up for him.
January 13th, 2026 at 7:50 am
Stop this nonsense…. Like it or not, Bowles is the coach
January 13th, 2026 at 7:52 am
Tomlin = Bowles lol
And let me guess you want Gruden here. Young Bucs fans that have no idea how Gruden or Tomlin coaches. You need to ask your Dad or uncle about the years after 2002. But Gruden in 2002 was really the perfect fit!
January 13th, 2026 at 7:54 am
Would rather have McDaniel as HC and OC. Tomlin is set in his ways and not sure he can get this team to the SB. Bucs need a younger guy that can motivate the players like Canales or Coen. Oh wait… lol.
January 13th, 2026 at 7:56 am
Yes right now we have
2026 RINSE AND REPEAT
January 13th, 2026 at 7:56 am
Accept it, Bowles is HC for at least one more year…
January 13th, 2026 at 7:57 am
Thanks you Joe, someone finally said what I ve been thinking about Harbaugh all week. Tomlin is younger and wouldn’t want total control of the organization I think but, his coaching over the past 6 or so years hasn’t been that good. My wish. I hope the Bucs can bring a young energetic OC who can get the Bucs back to winning and respect and will be a strong candidate to take over the team when Bowles leaves or retires. Bowles is also around 62 or 63 and with his winning record that may be very soon for retirement I know, I know, wishful thinking
January 13th, 2026 at 7:58 am
I’m with @FortMyersDave, Tomlin is a little too old school with his offensive thoughts, with a poor hire of Arthur Smith. I could get onboard with a McVay-tree OC hire with Tomlin as HC.
Have the Bucs been waiting to hear Tomlin’s status to go after him?
January 13th, 2026 at 7:59 am
Does Licht have to wait to make the call? Why not start blowing up Tomlin’s agent’s phone right now?
January 13th, 2026 at 8:01 am
Tomlin would be a HUGE upgrade of Bowles. HUGE. But thats not happening, at least not this season. GLAZERS fumbled big time but not making regime change NOW. I am still stunned at everyone’s lack of accountability from the TOP down.
January 13th, 2026 at 8:04 am
I don’t get the Tomlin love. He is a good coach, don’t get me wrong. But he is a Todd Bowles clone – a defensive focused coach who has no offense – has not had any kind of offense in years – and doesn’t get much out of his expensive defense. Like Bowles, he gets his team to the playoffs and lays an egg. 6 points Monday night!!!
January 13th, 2026 at 8:10 am
I am not saying Tomlin is the answer cause he probably isn’t. He hasn’t won a playoff game in forever. However he would still be an upgrade over Bowles. With Tomlin you get experience and a championship coach. Plus he would easily be the best coach in this weak division. Sometimes people just need a change in scenery.
January 13th, 2026 at 8:20 am
Tomlin with a Coen clone OC and we will be back in the conversation of Super Bowl.
January 13th, 2026 at 8:25 am
No thanks. All of you clamoring for Tomlin would soon find out he has the same mentality as Bowles and would want him gone after a year or two. Plus he just can’t win in the playoffs.
Would rather stick with Bowles at this point and fire him after next season, clean house and get a new regime in here who can decide to keep or move on from Baker.
January 13th, 2026 at 8:26 am
Its really disturbing that we are not interviewing DC candidates as well. So the Glazers and Licht are perfectly ok with the turdly, putrid defense that was displayed on the field this year? What a bungled situation that Licht has allowed to occur while everyone now suffers for.
January 13th, 2026 at 8:33 am
Thanks for a good laugh this morning.
It started with the line “its understandable the Bucs turned Harbaugh done in a hurry”. 🤣 Riiiiight! That would be your buddy saying he called Scarlett Johassan amd her agent told him she had these demands and wouldn’t be interested. Then your buddy says he “turned her down”
Anyone who thinks Tomlin isnt a major upgrade over Bowles is nuts. He’s a superbowl winning coach and has NEVER had a losing record. Bowles career has a head coach is a losing record. He knows how to manage a team, delegate, game plan, run practices etc etc. With the talent the Bucs have one offense, all he needs to do is hire the right OC. He would be a major upgrade, but it ain’t happening. The Glazers love Todd.
January 13th, 2026 at 8:34 am
Are Tomlin and Bowles similar? Yes, in some respect, but unlike Bowles, Mike T. will not be calling plays or keeping his buddies (Foote, Caldwell, Edwards) around.
I’m all for younger, new blood like Scheelhaase, etc. but in my opinion, Tomlin can provide the Bucs with something they have been sorely lacking under Bowles. An identity.
January 13th, 2026 at 8:36 am
Mike Tomlin is not a bowels clone wtf lmao he would certainly be an upgrade this team definitely needs something different the message from bowels is stale no one wants it but I doubt we see any change for some unknown reason the glazers love him.
January 13th, 2026 at 8:41 am
Timing is out 180 degrees
The dread is REAL!
So many missing pieces on the roster and on the sidelines
Sooo…. This steaming pile of stink is on the GM
This is the complete opposite feeling of when a team is on the rise and needing just a few Free Agents flying into Tampa to make a run at a Ring the coming year.
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
January 13th, 2026 at 8:42 am
We’re stuck with Bowles. One of the Joes loves Bobby Knight so like Bobby Kinght said “If r@pe is inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it.”
January 13th, 2026 at 8:44 am
“It’s understandable the Bucs turned Harbaugh down in a hurry. There’s no evidence he would be a good football overlord/head coach, and Harbaugh turns 64 in September.”
Dribble
January 13th, 2026 at 8:45 am
Liam Coen 0-1 in playoff games. Can’t say he’s a better coach until he stacks some playoff wins
January 13th, 2026 at 8:47 am
Tomlin lost the his last 7 playoff games with Steelers. Is that what we really want?
January 13th, 2026 at 8:58 am
There will be no dc interviews. The Joes know this but aren’t going to discuss it. Jbf is ran and supported by team Glazer
January 13th, 2026 at 8:58 am
Mike Tomlin is the ONLY defensive head coach I would be excited about. Those saying he is the same as Bowles are idiots. Compare the records!
NO LOSING SEASONS!!!
Bowles is a fake genius. Tomlin is the real deal. I would take him in a heartbeat.
That said, Steelers Management has already said they are not firing him.
January 13th, 2026 at 8:59 am
Upgrades, who the Glazers has, haven’t, will or will not go after is all conversation right now but, I am waiting to see who the OC and DB coaches are gonna be. I am hearing guys on the staff may move up. Atkins is one and the other is also a assistant DB coach that maybe moving up
January 13th, 2026 at 9:01 am
“It’s understandable the Bucs turned Harbaugh down in a hurry. There’s no evidence he would be a good football overlord/head coach, and Harbaugh turns 64 in September.” – Joe
This went over the heads of a few commentors, but I get it. And I agree.
January 13th, 2026 at 9:03 am
The only way Tomlin leaves stillers is by his own making. The stillers will never fire Tomlin. Why? The Rooney rule, thats why.
January 13th, 2026 at 9:03 am
Popmike66, when coaches are fired, they don’t usually promote from within. The idea is to get new blood.
January 13th, 2026 at 9:04 am
Dadgumit, that makes zero sense. The rule would be followed regardless.
January 13th, 2026 at 9:16 am
That would be a minor upgrade from 8- 9, no playoffs, to 9-8, first-round playoff exit. Dream big, Bucs fans.
January 13th, 2026 at 9:21 am
Mike Tomlin
🏈 10-7
🏈 10-7
🏈 10-7
🏈 9-8
🏈 9-7
🏈 12-4
🏈 8-8
🏈 13-3
🏈 11-5
🏈 10-6
One .500 season.
While 10-7 in recent years isn’t fantastic, it is still good. Superbowl in 2008, a while ago.
January 13th, 2026 at 9:22 am
Players on the roster in 2026 will be stuck with Bowels
OBP will be struck with a rebellious dwindling fanbase!
January 13th, 2026 at 9:24 am
He’s been on thin ice with Pittsburgh for the last few years. He would be a great replacement for Todd Bowles who still under contract with the Bucs.
How to say what will happen. There would need to be a few HC firings for him to be available to the Bucs.
January 13th, 2026 at 9:38 am
Lateral moves will NEVER get you improved results!
The Bucs nauseously gives bums lengthy years to show that they are bums…
Tomlin hasn’t won a playoff game in nearly a decade…
The Steelers want better as their HC, the Bucs should want the same…
January 13th, 2026 at 9:48 am
No more mediocrity!
January 13th, 2026 at 9:59 am
Come home Mike!!! Let’s go Bucs!!!!
January 13th, 2026 at 10:21 am
No way, most fans do not want a Bowles clone. Geez, just stop it, must be a slow news day to have to write this type of pablum.
January 13th, 2026 at 10:37 am
Here’s the plan: Bowles HC, Gruden OC, Tomlin DC.
January 13th, 2026 at 10:42 am
I was hoping for this when it would mean Bowles would be gone, but I don’t want another defensive coach. Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator? Yuck.
What I do hope is that the Glazers are waiting to see Tomlin’s status, before going to their second choices, and then cut Bowles loose.
Until the Bucs put pen to paper and ink a deal with a coordinator hire, they can still send Lying Todd packing.
January 13th, 2026 at 10:56 am
“Liam Coen 0-1 in playoff games. Can’t say he’s a better coach until he stacks some playoff wins”
He also decided to abandon the run (which was working well) against a Bills’ defense that has been terrible against the run all year.
I think on the first drive of the game, he also called a handoff to the WR on a play similar to that McMillan fumble. I think he was just tauting Bucs fans.
January 13th, 2026 at 10:58 am
Other than them both being black defensive minded head coaches I see nothing that makes these two men clones. Bowles often looks like he’s daydreaming on the sidelines, Tomlin looks like he’s about to rip somebody’s arm off and beat them senseless with it. Bowles teams often play a bit “soft and cerebral” on defense, Tomlin’s teams play angry defense (their roster is looking a bit long in the tooth though), and lastly Bowles has a record of mediocrity as a HC while Tomlin’s record is that of a winning HC. I’d rather have an offensive minded HC next, but Tomlin would be an upgrade to what we currently have. It’s a moot point as ownership seems content to keep Todd at least for next season.
January 13th, 2026 at 11:25 am
I think Bucs are stalling…if they get stuck with Bowles then it’s do or die for him as a DC. Another mediocre year with a different DC and now you owe even more staff. It won’t shock me to see Bucs make a move for a big name. Our division rivals are trying to take a step up while we’re status quo…..Carolina just made the playoffs, Atlanta is attempting an overhaul and Saints have a promising rookie QB who looked very capable the last half of the season. We’ll either go big with an OC or an entirely new HC/staff.
January 13th, 2026 at 11:42 am
Wouldn’t mind it. Winning mentality and a tougher team.
Bring Ronde in as a DB coach?
January 13th, 2026 at 12:08 pm
Still like/don’t hate Bowles (nobody’s perfect). LOVE Tomlin. However, others have pointed out already, we would still be missing quality OC solution. Do concur reminiscent of Dungy era (Mike Shula, anyone? 🤢). Arthur “ The Mustache” Smith is a funny cartoon character to me as….unless he is performing his act in Tampa. Point being there appear to be parallels to each of the three defensive head coaches.