Whenever former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin considers a return to the NFL, any new team must address a key issue: making a deal with the Steelers. Tomlin has a year left on his contract, which means he’s not a free agent. The Steelers still hold his rights, so they would seek compensation before he can coach elsewhere.
As time goes on, the compensation price may decrease. Right now, the Steelers demand more than they would in a year. If too much pressure is applied, Tomlin might just decide to stay with the Steelers.
Recently, we’ve seen teams learn the hard way about this process. The Miami Dolphins faced serious consequences in 2022 when they tried to hire Tom Brady in a complicated plan involving Sean Payton. They were hit with a hefty fine of $1.5 million and lost a first-round draft pick due to tampering.
This kind of situation isn’t new. When Payton later went to coach the Broncos, the Saints received compensation for his hire. Similarly, when Bruce Arians returned to coaching with Tampa Bay, the Cardinals were compensated. The Steelers have a history of enforcing their rights, as seen when Bill Cowher could have faced similar conditions if he returned to coaching.
Unlike fired coaches like John Harbaugh, who are free to be hired without compensation, Tomlin’s rights are still controlled by the Steelers. This means that any team interested in him needs to negotiate a deal with Pittsburgh before making an offer.
In the competitive world of the NFL, understanding these rules is crucial. Hiring a coach is more than just a dollar figure; it’s about playing by the rules and respecting contract obligations. As teams evaluate potential candidates, they must keep these dynamics in mind or risk costly pitfalls.
For more on NFL coaching contracts and compensation, you can explore this detailed report on the topic.
