Former Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Lands New Job
Earlier this year Mike Tomlin announced his plans to step down as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after nearly 20 years with the team.
"After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers," he said after nearly two decades in charge of the team. Despite not having a losing season in his coaching career, a lack success in the playoffs eventually doomed his tenure.
Following his departure from the NFL, Front Office Sports indicated NBC was the frontrunner to land the former coach.
"NBC is viewed as the clear favorite. The network just parted ways with Football Night in America studio analyst Tony Dungy after 17 seasons," FOS reported. "Fellow analyst Jason Garrett could be out the door too, say sources. So NBC could have not one, but two ex-coach spots to fill on its primetime pregame show."
Mike Tomlin Lands New Job in TV
Fast forward to late April and Front Office Sports' report has come true. According to a new report from media insider Andrew Marchand of the Athletic, Tomlin is headed to NBC.
"Mike Tomlin, one of the most intriguing NFL TV prospects in years, is headed to NBC to be a top studio analyst on its Sunday night pregame show, 'Football Night in America,'" Marchand said.
Fox reportedly held interest in the longtime Steelers coach, but after letting Tony Dungy go, the NBC team needed his services the most.
How NBC Landed Mike Tomlin
Marchand noted the Mike Tomlin sweepstakes was "watered down" thanks to the NFL's desire to renegotiate its more than $100 billion in TV deals.
"The threat of adding hundreds of millions or maybe even a billion more to what it pays the NFL has made some networks a little hesitant to shell out even more money for personalities," Marchand wrote.
"This left NBC executives in the prime position because of their desire to add a potential star. And it went out and got him."
The next question is how long Tomlin's contract keeps him at NBC, with a potential return to the NFL on the table in the future.
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