NFL News: Mike Tomlin Trade Request from Bears Reportedly Rejected by Steelers
January 18, 2025
Mike Tomlin has already made it clear he has no interest in another coaching job, but that didn't stop the Chicago Bears from at least trying to inquire about potentially trading for the 52-year-old.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers rebuffed an inquiry from the Bears and discussions never even made it to Tomlin.
Schefter also noted another unnamed team looked into potentially trading for Tomlin, but "halted its efforts" upon learning he had a no-trade clause in his contract.
In the wake of the Steelers' 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card game on Jan. 11, there were some questions from fans and analysts about whether or not Tomlin should be back.
Per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers had no plans to move on from Tomlin.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Tomlin offered a blunt response when asked about his potential availability via trade.
"Save your time," he said.
One of the reasons Tomlin can be so direct about that question is because his contract contains a no-trade clause, so he holds all the power in any talks even if the Steelers wanted to move him.
The Steelers gave Tomlin a three-year extension last offseason that runs through the 2027 season. He is the longest-tenured coach in the NFL, having just wrapped up his 18th year in Pittsburgh.
Chicago's interest in Tomlin isn't a big surprise. The franchise is looking for stability at head coach after a volatile 2024 season that saw Matt Eberflus get fired on Nov. 29 after a 4-8 start.
The Bears would seem like an attractive team for any candidate because of the potential Caleb Williams possesses after being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
Even though his rookie season was inconsistent, Williams finished with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. By comparison, Steelers quarterbacks thew for 3,264 yards, 21 touchdowns and six interceptions.
There may come a point when the Steelers and Tomlin decide to part ways, but it's not going to happen this offseason after going 10-7 and making the playoffs for the fourth time in the past five seasons.