Newport News Native Mike Tomlin Steps Down After 19 Seasons with the Steelers

If you grew up around Denbigh, the name Mike Tomlin rings a bell. Wide receiver at Denbigh High, college ball at William & Mary, and 19 seasons later, here we are.

 

The news broke this week that Mike is stepping down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons. That's a lifetime in the NFL.

This part still feels wild. 0 losing seasons. Not one. That’s almost 2 decades in the NFL without slipping. He finishes with 193 wins, tied for the most in Steelers history.

 

Steelers president Art Rooney II put out a statement this week. He talked about Mike’s leadership and how steady things stayed for almost 20 years. Even when seasons got messy, the team stayed in it. This year felt familiar. Late push. AFC North title. Then it ended earlier than anyone hoped.

 

What hits home for us is how he never lost touch with this place. You still hear about him spending time with local high school coaches. Talking with kids. Showing up quietly. Doing it without cameras.

 

That matters. Bobby Scott pointed it out too, calling Mike an inspiration for young people across Newport News and Hampton Roads. Especially for kids who need to see what consistency and leadership actually look like.

 

It's a little bittersweet watching him step away. At the same time, it's hard not to respect the full body of work. Denbigh High. William & Mary. A Super Bowl ring. 19 seasons of steady wins.

 

Careers like that don’t come out of nowhere. Plenty of people around here remember the early days.

 

Enjoy the break, Mike. You earned it.