Tomlin makes Rodgers prediction, discusses departure from Steelers

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will be joining NBC’s “Football Night In America” this season, and on Sunday night, he made his debut on the network prior to its NBA playoffs coverage. 

In what amounted to his first major comments since resigning from the Steelers, he made a prediction for what quarterback Aaron Rodgers is going to do this season and discussed why he stepped away from the team.

Mike Tomlin thinks Aaron Rodgers will play in 2026

The most notable thing from Tomlin as it relates to the 2026 season was his belief that Rodgers will be back in a Steelers uniform and be the team’s starting quarterback. 

While there is a belief that Rodgers will, in fact, return for at least one more season, he has yet to say anything definitive and is dragging out his decision for a second straight year (and the Steelers seem more than happy to let him do so). 

The Steelers current quarterback room includes Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and 2026 third-round pick Drew Allar.