In their search for a new head coach, the Chicago Bears left no stone unturned, including exploring the possibility of acquiring Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Tomlin from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite their bold approach, the Bears‘ efforts were swiftly shut down by the Steelers, who denied their request to speak with Tomlin, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Bears reportedly reached out to Pittsburgh, hoping to discuss a potential trade for Tomlin‘s services. However, their inquiry never progressed beyond the Steelers‘ front office, as Tomlin himself was never informed about the request.
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Another unnamed team also expressed interest in Tomlin but learned that his contract includes a no-trade clause, effectively ending the pursuit.
Despite some frustration among fans and analysts about the Steelers‘ recent performance, Tomlin‘s commitment to the franchise remains steadfast. When asked about other teams’ interest, Tomlin dismissed the idea outright, stating, “Save your time.”
The coach, who recently completed his 18th season with Pittsburgh, is under contract through a three-year extension signed last offseason.
“I understand the nature of what it is that we do, the attention and criticism that comes with it,” Tomlin said during a press conference. “As a matter of fact, I embrace it, to be quite honest with you. I enjoy the urgency that comes with what I do and what we do.”
Although the Steelers have faced early playoff exits in recent years-including a 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round this season-Tomlin remains optimistic about the team’s future.
“I don’t make excuses for failure,” he said. “I own it, but I also feel like I’m capable, and as long as I’m afforded an opportunity to do that, I will continue.”
Bears’ Ambitious Coaching Search
The Bears‘ interest in Tomlin highlights the franchise’s determination to secure a transformative leader. Following the midseason firing of head coach Matt Eberflus, Chicago is viewed as one of the most attractive coaching opportunities.
With promising young quarterback Caleb Williams and the No. 10 pick in the upcoming draft, the team offers a strong foundation for the next head coach to build upon.
Chicago has already interviewed several high-profile candidates, including Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.
Despite being turned away by the Steelers, the Bears’ willingness to explore a trade for Tomlin underscores their commitment to finding the right leader to guide the team into a new era.
Mike Tomlin‘s tenure with the Steelers has been marked by consistency and success. With an overall record of 183-107-2, he has never endured a losing season in his 18 years with the team.
However, the Steelers’ recent struggles in the postseason have led some to question whether the franchise is ready for a change.
For now, Tomlin remains at the helm in Pittsburgh, focused on addressing the team’s shortcomings and pushing for a deeper playoff run in the future.
Meanwhile, the Bears continue their search for a coach who can bring similar stability and success to their organization. While the Steelers‘ rejection of Chicago’s trade request closed one door, the Bears’ ambitions signal that they are prepared to take bold steps in pursuit of a brighter future.
