Insider: Ravens Rival Mike Tomlin Leaving Steelers?

The Baltimore Ravens may not see coach Mike Tomlin on the sidelines of the Pittsburgh Steelers when the two AFC North rivals meet next season.

Could Monday's evening game between the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers be the last in the black and yellow for coach Mike Tomlin?  

The title of the longest-tenured coach in the NFL could be passing from Tomlin to the Baltimore Ravens' John Harbaugh after he became it just a week ago.

“People in Pittsburgh want him fired — they’re not firing Mike Tomlin, ...” ESPN's Adam Schefter recently said. “He’s got a year left on his contract. And there are some people around the league who believe that Mike Tomlin could decide eventually to take some time off like Sean Payton did. Maybe take a year off. ..."

Dec 5, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (left) and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (right) talk on the field before their teams play at Heinz Field.  / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Tomlin potentially hanging up his headset, albeit temporarily, would be a continuation of the coaching shakeup around the NFL. Two weeks ago, Tomlin's 17 years with the Steelers ranked only behind now-former Patriots coach Bill Belichick in terms of time spent with a team. 

Then, with the Patriots' parting of ways with Belichick, Tomlin jumped to the top sport, and that could be only for a little bit as he contemplates taking a break from football. 

At 51 years old, it seems unrealistic to expect the already one-time Super Bowl-winning coach to go ahead and call it a career, especially because he has been one of the most consistent coaches in the league. 

Since taking over the team in 2007, Tomlin has never endured a losing season. 

Yet, after a season where the Steelers managed to make the postseason at 10-7 with one of the league's worst offenses, and making a change at offensive coordinator midseason, the fans seemingly want something new. 

Those who want Tomlin out may end up getting their wish, but it won't be because of the Steelers' ownership.

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"Mike Tomlin gets to dictate what happens here, not the Pittsburgh Steelers," Schefter said. "They’re not firing him. He’s staying on, but he’s staying on if he wants to. But if he decides that he’d like to walk, well, that’s a different subject."

But the upset Steeler fans wouldn't be the only ones welcoming the departure of Tomlin, as will Ravens fans. Since Tomlin took over as coach, the Steelers have had the upper hand in the AFC North rivalry as he holds a 21-16 record versus the Ravens.