Ben Roethlisberger's Shocking Tribute to Mike Tomlin: What He Revealed After the Stunning Resignation!

The Pittsburgh Steelers franchise is grappling with a monumental shift following the announcement on Tuesday afternoon that longtime head coach Mike Tomlin will be stepping down after an impressive 19 consecutive seasons without a losing record. Tomlin's tenure, which began in 2007, has been marked by significant achievements, including a Super Bowl victory during the 2008 season. His departure, though speculated during the regular season, surprised many in the NFL community, including his own players.

Among those paying tribute was retired franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude. In a heartfelt message, Roethlisberger wrote, "Coach T, we got to spend 15 years together, and through the ups & downs it was a great ride. Thank you for all you did for me and this team, and this community! You are a legend, and one of the greatest to do it! Here is to the next chapter - whatever that looks like. — Ben." Alongside his words, he shared a photo collage showcasing their time together.

Coach T, we got to spend 15 years together, and through the ups & downs it was a great ride. Thank you for all you did for me and this team, and this community! You are a legend, and one of the greatest to do it! Here is to the next chapter - whatever that looks like. -- Ben. pic.twitter.com/y75cvfHvgD

— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) January 14, 2026

Roethlisberger, who was drafted by the Steelers in 2004 under then-coach Bill Cowher, saw Tomlin take the reins in 2007. Their partnership blossomed into a formidable one, resulting in a Super Bowl championship and a trip to the AFC Championship in the 2016-2017 season. However, the duo could not replicate that early success in the subsequent seasons. Roethlisberger ultimately retired in 2022, but his connection to Tomlin remained strong.

Last year, amid growing dissatisfaction among fans, Roethlisberger discussed the team’s direction on his podcast. He alluded to the possibility of a "clean-house time" for the Steelers, suggesting that a fresh start could benefit Tomlin. However, he clarified that he was not advocating for the team to push Tomlin out, stating, "that's just saying that, I think, Coach Tomlin, if he wants to move on, he has every right to want to move on. Not that they should. It's up to him. And he's earned that right."

It turns out that Tomlin's decision to step down was indeed his own. In a statement, he expressed his profound gratitude: "This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team."

As Tomlin exits, speculation surrounding his next move is rampant. He could choose to retire from public life, explore opportunities in media, or perhaps take on a coaching role elsewhere. However, if he decides to coach again, it is unlikely to happen immediately.

This unexpected change marks the end of an era for the Steelers and leaves an indelible mark on the franchise’s history. Tomlin's legacy, characterized by resilience and a commitment to excellence, will resonate with fans and players alike for years to come. As the Steelers prepare for the future, the question remains: who will take the helm in Pittsburgh, and how will the franchise navigate this new chapter?