As the 2026 NFL season kicks off, the football world is still buzzing about one of the most intriguing storylines of the year: Mike Tomlin's departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers sidelines. After 19 seasons of unprecedented consistency—never once posting a losing record—Tomlin has traded his headset for an analyst's microphone. But make no mistake: the coaching fire still burns. During a recent appearance on the PFF NFL Show, Tomlin revealed the one quarterback he would love to coach if given the chance, and it wasn't Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson. It was Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills' superstar signal-caller.
Tomlin's Unwavering Praise for Allen
When asked who he'd want to coach, Tomlin didn't hesitate. "I'd take Josh Allen," he said, adding that the Bills' QB1 is "built for it." The comment immediately ignited social media, with fans and analysts alike dissecting what it means for the future. Tomlin's admiration for Allen is rooted in the quarterback's rare blend of physicality, arm talent, and leadership. Over the past six seasons, Allen has cemented himself as arguably the best quarterback in football, winning MVP in 2024 and consistently being in the conversation year after year. At 30 years old, Allen is entering the prime of his career, and Tomlin sees a player who can win with his arm or his legs—a true dual threat in every sense.
"Who do I wanna coach? I'd take Josh Allen." - Mike Tomlin
While Tomlin's praise is flattering, the reality of him coaching Allen in Buffalo is complicated. Tomlin is reportedly still under contract with the Steelers, who hold his coaching rights. Any team interested in hiring him would need to negotiate a trade, a rare and complex scenario in the NFL coaching carousel. Meanwhile, the Bills are committed to their current head coach, Joe Brady, who was hired in January after Sean McDermott's surprising dismissal. Brady is expected to get several seasons to prove himself, meaning a Tomlin-Allen partnership is unlikely in the near term—unless the Bills' situation unravels dramatically.
Tomlin acknowledged that Allen, now in his eighth NFL season, stretches the definition of a "young" quarterback. But his choice speaks volumes about his respect for Allen's game. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Tomlin's comments have sparked debate about whether he'll return to coaching soon and where he might land. With his track record of never having a losing season, Tomlin will be a hot commodity whenever he decides to return. For now, he has the luxury of waiting for the perfect opportunity—one that might just include a certain No. 17 in Buffalo.
For Bills fans, Tomlin's endorsement is a reminder of how far Allen has come. For the rest of the NFL, it's a tantalizing glimpse of what could be. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on both Tomlin's analyst career and Allen's quest for a Super Bowl. One thing is certain: if Tomlin ever gets the chance to coach Allen, he won't hesitate to take it.
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