Could Mike Tomlin bring Ryan Clark back to the NFL? Former Steelers star reveals what could make him leave his media career for coaching
Clark played 13 NFL seasons, including eight with Pittsburgh, and knows Tomlin’s coaching style from personal experience. The two also shared a Super Bowl-winning season when the Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII in February 2009. That is a significant admission from someone who has built a career in sports broadcasting since retiring from football.
After 19 seasons with Pittsburgh, he stepped down following the 2025 NFL season. He finished his Steelers tenure with a 193-114-2 regular-season record and never recorded a losing season. NBC subsequently hired him as an analyst for Football Night in America, with the network announcing the move in April 2026. Tomlin left Pittsburgh while still under contract through the 2027 season. ESPN let him go earlier in 2026 amid company layoffs, while he continues his work with The Pivot podcast. But Clark’s November 11 message has made one possibility clear: if Tomlin decides to return, he already has a former Steelers player willing to hear him out.
Because clark is not simply talking about returning as a player, the possibility is interesting. The Steelers therefore retain his coaching rights, which could complicate a move to another NFL team before that contract expires. As of now, neither man has announced plans to reunite in the NFL.
“Wonder if Coach T comes back to coaching next year, if he’ll put his hiring where his mouth was on @craigmelvin’s ‘Glass Half Full’,” Clark wrote. “He’s one of two people who could get me to consider it,” Clark added. Speaking about the possibility of a return, Tomlin said he had not given coaching any thought and wanted to focus on his new role.
Ryan Clark may have found one reason to return to the NFL after years in sports media. The former Pittsburgh Steelers safety has openly admitted that Mike Tomlin could convince him to step back into football. With Tomlin’s coaching future still attracting attention, Clark has now hinted that he would consider joining his former coach if he returns to the sidelines. He has mentioned several coaching positions and even an executive role. More importantly, Tomlin is one of only two people who could make him seriously consider the move. Clark made the suggestion through a post on X. He brought up Tomlin’s comments on Craig Melvin’s Glass Half Full podcast and wondered if his former coach would consider hiring him if he returned to the NFL. He then named a few positions he could potentially take, including pass game coordinator, defensive backs coach and assistant head coach. Clark also mentioned the possibility of joining Tomlin in an executive position. However, one line stood out more than the job titles. Now, he appears open to being part of whatever comes next for his former coach. Tomlin has not shown any immediate interest in returning to coaching. Tomlin has enjoyed watching football from a different perspective, although he has not ruled out coaching forever. He also indicated that he would deal with the question if it came up in the future. There is another factor to consider. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Meanwhile, Clark has also experienced a career change. Tomlin remains in broadcasting, and Clark has not committed to a coaching job. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Clark has previously questioned whether Tomlin needed a fresh start away from Pittsburgh.