There is big news for NFL TV. The most famous pregame show, FOX NFL Sunday, may finally get a new permanent member. As of January 2026, things have changed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and FOX Sports. This means Mike Tomlin is welcome to join Terry Bradshaw on the show. This could happen because Tomlin has just stopped being the head coach in Pittsburgh after 19 great seasons. This news has surprised many people.
For more than a year, people have asked who would take the “empty chair” left by the great Jimmy Johnson. FOX has tried different people. But now, reports say Mike Tomlin has officially met a “strict requirement” from FOX bosses. This requirement is that any new main person on the show must be a Hall of Famer or a sure future Hall of Famer. Because Tomlin won a Super Bowl, he meets this rule. This clears the way for him to move from coaching to TV.
A Natural Fit for the FOX NFL Sunday Booth
Mike Tomlin moving to TV is a natural next step. He is famous for his “Tomlinisms”—smart, short sayings that people share. He has a strong presence. He has the mix of knowledge and personality needed for national TV. Unlike many coaches, Tomlin does not need to learn how to be on camera. He has done this for almost 20 years during his press conferences in Pittsburgh.
Meeting FOX’s rule is a big step for his new career. Experts think FOX sees Tomlin as the perfect link between old legends like Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw and today’s game. He knows a lot about current defenses. He also coached big stars like Aaron Rodgers in 2025. This gives him a special point of view that few other TV people have.
Filling the Void: The Legacy of Jimmy Johnson
The empty spot on the FOX show was hard to fill. When Jimmy Johnson left, he took his championship-level insight and his special chemistry with Terry Bradshaw. The mix of a great coach and a great quarterback is a big reason for the show’s 30-year success.
FOX Sports needed someone strong enough to sit next to Bradshaw, who is known for his loud and honest opinions. Tomlin handled the high-pressure job in Pittsburgh. He is one of the few people with enough “football weight” to earn respect on a set with Hall of Famers. The idea of two Steelers legends—one from the 1970s and one from today—sharing a desk is a perfect story for FOX.
The “Strict Requirement” and E-A-T Compliance
In sports TV, being an Expert, an Authority, and Trustworthy (E-A-T) is very important. FOX’s “strict requirement” for its analysts makes sure the information for viewers comes from people who have truly won. Tomlin’s career proves this:
- Super Bowl XLIII Champion: He is one of the youngest coaches to ever win the Super Bowl.
- Consistency: He had 19 seasons in a row (2007–2025) without a losing record.
- Leadership: He led the team from the Ben Roethlisberger years to the Aaron Rodgers years and still made the playoffs in 2024 and 2025.
By meeting these standards, Tomlin is not just joining a show. He is making the FOX Sports brand stronger against other networks like CBS and ESPN.
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Why This Move Matters for NFL Fans
For fans in Pittsburgh, seeing Tomlin on TV every Sunday will feel familiar. The Steelers must rebuild after he left, but Tomlin on TV keeps the “Steelers Brand” important in NFL talk. For fans in Dallas, who loved the Jimmy Johnson years, Tomlin brings back the smart “coach’s” analysis that made the show a Sunday tradition.
Putting Tomlin and Bradshaw together is interesting because of their past. Bradshaw has sometimes criticized Tomlin. But they both respect each other as part of the Steelers “family.” This could lead to exciting, sometimes tense, but always smart football talk that viewers love.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Has Mike Tomlin officially signed with FOX?
FOX is the most likely choice and he met their requirement. But, ESPN and Amazon Prime Video also want him. An official announcement should come before the 2026 NFL Draft. - Will Mike Tomlin return to coaching?
People close to him think he might do what Sean Payton did. He could spend a year or two in TV, then think about returning to coach a team. - Who else is on the FOX NFL Sunday panel?
The people on the show now are Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, and Rob Gronkowski.
Final Thoughts: A New Era of Broadcasting
Adding Mike Tomlin to FOX NFL Sunday is more than just a new hire. It shows the network believes in experience from winning big games. The NFL is moving more to digital streaming and global growth. A voice like Tomlin’s, which carries 20 years of excellence on the sideline, is very valuable.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources regarding the 2026 NFL offseason. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets and the Pittsburgh Steelers organization.