Exploring trading Mike Tomlin: Who, what, and where?

There has been lots of speculation about the future of Mike Tomlin with the Pittsburgh Steelers recently.  The possibility of trading Tomlin has gotten quite popular the past few days.  This theory got taken to another level with the Jay Glazer comments yesterday.  He insinuated that the Washington Commanders should “make a call” to see if Tomlin is available after the season.  https://triblive.com/sports/a-trade-for-mike-tomlin-foxs-jay-glazer-tells-one-specific-team-to-swing-away/

Why this is so significant is because of the well known friendship between Glazer and Tomlin.  It is  not unreasonable to think that Glazer might just be sending out a message on his friend’s behalf.  The once unthinkable scenario of the Pittsburgh Steelers moving on from their head coach of 17 seasons has never been more of a possibility.  Here’s a breakdown of what this could look like, and what teams might be most interested in Mike Tomlin. 

Trade Value:

Any trade involving Mike Tomlin would have to begin with the hall the Raiders got in return for trading Jon Gruden to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  That package included two first round picks, two second round picks, and $8 million in cash.  Any team interested in the Steelers future Hall of Fame head coach would have to start there.  There is wiggle room depending on how high the draft picks are, and possible players being involved in such a trade.

The bottom line however is this could in fact be a franchise resetting type deal if it were to be made.  Done correctly, the Steelers could use this trade to springboard another dynasty. Adding high draft picks, and players to an already talented young roster would be a windfall.  Replacing Tomlin would of course be no easy task.  If there is one thing this franchise does better than any other however, it is hiring head coaches.

Who, and where?:

There will be no shortage of interested teams if, and when the Steelers decided on trading Tomlin.  Just about every franchise with a coaching vacancy would be involved. In fact, some teams might even create a vacancy knowing Mike Tomlin was available.  Let’s take a look at a short list of teams that would be interested as we stand today:

• Carolina Panthers – The Panthers have already fired their head coach.  This marks the second time in two seasons they have managed this feat.  There is no question Panthers owner David Tepper would kill for Tomlin.  A move like this would deflect all the criticism he is currently taking for all the bad hires, and failed drafts since he took over as owner.  The downside here is that Carolina does not have its first round pick in 2024.  Aside from that the Steelers could pretty much name their price, and Tepper would pay it.  He’s that desperate.
• Washington Commanders – Even before the Jay Glazer interview, the Commanders had to be one of the favorites in this scenario.  New owner Josh Harris is sure to move on from current coach Ron Rivera.  Like all new owners, Harris will be looking to make a giant splash at head coach after dumping the one he inherited.  Add all this to the fact that this would be a sort of homecoming for Tomlin being from Virginia, and this makes a lot of sense.  The Commanders are almost guaranteed to have a top 10 pick in the upcoming draft.  Thye also have extra draft capital from trading Josh Sweat and Chase Young at the deadline.
• Las Vegas Raiders – After two straight disastrous hires at head coach, the Raiders would be very interested in a fail safe like Mike Tomlin.  They certainly love hiring high profile coaches as well.  There’s a decent roster here, but no quarterback in place.  The Raiders would love this, but Mike Tomlin might balk at the idea.
• Los Angeles Chargers – The Chargers are the team I would be pounding the table to be traded to if I were Mike Tomlin.  It’s probably the only team that would come calling with a bonafide franchise quarterback already on board.  The Chargers are almost certain to move on from the underachieving Brandon Staley. This is the kind of splash move this franchise needs to get people excited about them in Los Angeles.
• Chicago Bears – Chicago’s interest is becoming less and less likely as the weeks go on.  That is due to the fact that head coach Matt Eberflus has the Bears playing extremely well right now.  Chicago has won 3 out of 4, and has an outside shot at a playoff spot in the NFC.  If they crater down the stretch this team becomes one to watch.  They have plenty of draft capital (likely two top five picks) to make a bold move.
• New England Patriots – This one is a long shot for sure, but here us out.  For one, the Patriots seem destined to move on from Bill Belichick after the season.  We know owner Robert Kraft has a history of bold hires at coach.  Mike Tomlin would unquestionably be the highest profile caoch available this offseason.  Granted a trade between these two rivals is unlikely. It is something to keep an eye on however as the trading Tomlin rumors heat up.

Conclusion:

At the end of the day the chances of Art Rooney II making a bold move like this are slim.  We know this team does not make moves with their coaches at all.  It took them 80 plus years to finally fire a single coordinator.  And that was as extreme a case as imaginable with Matt Canada.  Having said that, it did happen despite know one believing it were possible.  Who actually made that decision is an important factor in all this.  If it indeed was Rooney as some have reported, that could point to a chasm growing between coach and owner.  One thing is for sure, the next few weeks will be very interesting in Pittsburgh if this team continues to disappoint.