[DeFabo] A Steelers staff member on the meeting where Mike Tomlin told the team he was stepping down: “It felt like a funeral. I teared up. It’s like finding out your dad died.”

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The original was posted on /r/nfl by /u/Goosedukee on 2026-01-15 13:43:21+00:00.

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The Athletic spoke with a half-dozen players, coaches and staff members in the room, who described what they saw, heard and felt during Tomlin’s final moments as the Steelers head coach.

”No,” star outside linebacker T.J. Watt said, sitting next to fellow defensive veterans Cameron Heyward and Alex Highsmith.

”No. No. No. No. No,” he kept repeating over and over, his eyes welling with tears as Tomlin continued his speech.

…

When Tomlin finished his speech, every player in the room rose for a standing ovation. They could tell it meant a lot to Tomlin that he had the opportunity to break the news directly to his team. He seemed to be at peace with the decision, multiple players said.

Then, in one of his signature moves, Tomlin tipped his cap and went to the door. One-by-one, every player walked past Tomlin, exchanging hugs.