The NFL is going through a lot of change this offseason, with 10 different franchises changing head coaches. One of those head coaches was John Harbaugh, who spent 18 seasons as the leader of the Baltimore Ravens.
After being let go by Baltimore, Harbaugh joined the New York Giants in the same capacity. One of Harbaugh’s longtime rivals, Mike Tomlin, who served as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 19 seasons, stepped down last week, and the Giants’ head coach spoke about his old rival.
“I do think he’ll coach again. I do … He’ll be great on TV. I mean, he’ll be amazing. He’s a smart, articulate guy,” Harbaugh said, according to Steelers Depot.
John Harbaugh on Mike Tomlin: "I do think he'll coach again. I do … He'll be great on TV. I mean, he'll be amazing. He's a smart, articulate guy." #Steelers #NFL
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) January 20, 2026
It’s not shocking that Harbaugh spoke highly of Tomlin, as Tomlin was also praiseworthy of the job Harbaugh has done when he learned he had parted ways with the Ravens.
No And No!’ Baltimore Ravens’ John Harbaugh Never Believed Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Would Leave Pittsburgh – Sports Illustrated Baltimore Ravens News, Analysis and More
“I just have so much respect for Harbs,” Tomlin told Rich Eisen. “Our stories will forever be interwoven. This rivalry that we’ve been fortunate and honored enough to be a part of, I’ve just got so much respect for him and how he’s gone about his business. And we’ve certainly had some legendary battles over the years.
“In terms of him being let go, unfortunately, I just think it’s a component of today’s sport culture. And so, you know, there’ve been many examples of that, and so it’s unfortunate. But I’m sure that he is going to move on and if he chooses to coach again, I’m sure he will, and I’m sure he’ll be very successful at doing so.
“But more than anything, I just think it’s a larger example of today’s sport culture in terms of not a lot of patience and the entertainment component of what it is that we do. There’s just not a lot of longevity. You know, I’m sure we all would like to be Don Shula and Tom Landry, but I think those days are gone.”
It’ll be interesting to see if Harbaugh’s prediction is right and Tomlin does go on to coach again in the NFL.
