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5 NFL teams that should try to trade for Mike Tomlin, including the Cowboys

cory woodroof
·3-min read
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches warm ups against the Kansas City Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches warm ups against the Kansas City Chiefs at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers have closed yet another season under Mike Tomlin with a winning record but no playoff success.

Tomlin has never led Pittsburgh to a losing season in 18 years, which is absolutely remarkable for how fickle NFL success can be for head coaches.

However, his Steelers also haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. The team's last four playoff appearances (2020, 2021, 2023, 2024) have all concluded in the wild-card round. Tomlin's teams all have a strong floor, but the ceiling feels like it's getting lower and lower.

Saturday night's 28-14 road loss to the Baltimore Ravens could hypothetically spark something slightly unexpected.

Tomlin signed an extension with Pittsburgh through the 2027 season last year, but would the team consider trading Tomlin to kick off a franchise reset with a possibly higher ceiling?

A coach with as many wins as Tomlin has in his career would be a very popular trade target worthy of a first-round NFL Draft pick at least. Sure, Tomlin would absolutely have to be good for it, but maybe this could actually happen. Let's just have some hypothetical fun and surmise what this seismic "What if?" might look like.

These five NFL teams should at least call Pittsburgh and see if Tomlin is possibly available.

Dallas Cowboys

Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

If Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy aren't able to reach an agreement for the future, would Dallas consider a move like trading for Tomlin? It's not all that wild to think about! Perhaps a change of scenery would help Tomlin get the Cowboys back to consistent winning and actual playoff success? This feels like the kind of flashy move Jones loves making.

Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 14: Head Coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on in the tunnel before playing against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151477 ORIG FILE ID: 2184850627
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 14: Head Coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on in the tunnel before playing against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151477 ORIG FILE ID: 2184850627

The Eagles getting anything short of a Super Bowl could make a move like this much more plausible. Tomlin is the kind of stabilizing force for Philadelphia that can establish real consistency for an Eagles team that has felt too volatile under Nick Sirianni. Tomlin could stay in Pennsylvania and inherit a team ready to contend for a Super Bowl in 2025.

Las Vegas Raiders

Dec 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis looks on during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis looks on during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Mark Davis hasn't fielded a consistent winner in years. Tomlin could give the Raiders a bona fide superstar on the sideline who could bring the wins back to the franchise. While Las Vegas might just prefer a hire that doesn't require a trade, you can't rule this out if it's even remotely possible.

New York Giants

Sep 15, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll stands on the sideline in the second half against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Luke Johnson-Imagn Images
Sep 15, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll stands on the sideline in the second half against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Luke Johnson-Imagn Images

Sure, the Giants said coach Brian Daboll is safe for 2025, but things change quickly in the NFL. Tomlin being available in a trade could make New York immediately jump at the opportunity to add such a winning coach to the sideline. If John Mara wants wins now, this might be his clearest path.

Chicago Bears

Jan 31, 2022; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey speaks at a Press Conference to introduce new Chicago Bears-Head Coach Matt Eberflus and General Manager Ryan Poles Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2022; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey speaks at a Press Conference to introduce new Chicago Bears-Head Coach Matt Eberflus and General Manager Ryan Poles Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears need stability for quarterback Caleb Williams, and Tomlin would be an excellent candidate for such a role. While the right offensive coordinator would be paramount to a move like this to lead Williams' continued development, Tomlin would make Chicago an instant contender.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 NFL teams that should try to trade for Mike Tomlin, including the Cowboys