Coach Mike Tomlin’s unexpected decision to step down from his role has pushed the Pittsburgh Steelers into a difficult spot. For the first time in 19 years, owner Art Rooney II will have to make a major decision that could decide the fate of the organization and the future of the team. His latest comments suggest he’s already preparing for a future without Aaron Rodgers in the building.

“Aaron came here to play for Mike [Tomlin]. So I think it will most likely affect his decision,” Rooney told reporters on January 14. 

When Rodgers signed with Pittsburgh, it was never just about the city or the roster. It was about the relationship he shared with Tomlin. His decision to sign a one-year, $13.65 million contract in June 2025 was influenced by this very motive.

As Rodgers framed it, he really had only two options: either play for Tomlin or not play at all. That context now makes Tomlin’s exit feel like more than a coaching change.

“It starts with Mike Tomlin,” Rodgers said in the offseason. “I’ve been a fan of his for a long time. There’s a few iconic franchises in the NFL. I played for one of ’em for 18 years. This is another one of those. There’s something special about, obviously, this area. So many great quarterbacks are from Pittsburgh. I feel like Pittsburgh has been a part of my career from the beginning.”

When the free agency period starts in March 2026, Rodgers will be a free agent and he can ultimately decide upon his future—whether to play with any other NFL team or call it a career. Apparently, there had already been internal talks and outside speculation about Rodgers returning for one more season.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Rodgers did “open the door” for the 2026 season, and the organization “really enjoyed the experience” and “would be more than open” to bringing him back. This was reported before the Steelers’ Wild Card game loss to the Texans.

At that point, the dream scenario was simple: Tomlin stays, Rodgers returns, and the Steelers make one more serious run with an all-time great. 

However, the 30-6 playoff loss to the Texans stung the franchise deeply and changed the tone of the conversation. This was the Steelers’ first home playoff game since the 2020 season. Back then, they still had quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the last passer under whom the Steelers truly felt settled at the position.

Now, with Tomlin out and his future pointing away from Pittsburgh for the first time since 2007, Rodgers’ future with the franchise suddenly looks uncertain. That reality pushes Rooney II toward an unavoidable conclusion: he must search not only for a new head coach but for a starting QB too.

Art Rooney II hints at QB1 hunt without Mike Tomlin

On paper, the Steelers are not short on quarterbacks. The roster already includes signal-callers like Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and Will Howard. There’s experience, youth, and depth in that room. What is missing, though, is the kind of elite arm talent and playmaking presence. That absence is exactly why Tomlin pushed for A-Rod in the first place. However, Rooney appears to be charting a different path.

“I’m sure the quarterback position will be an important part of this discussion with the candidates, and we’ll have to develop a plan for going forward,” Rooney added.

If you look at the QB depth chart closely, Rooney might already have a solution to the current woes: the former Ohio State quarterback and CFP national champion Will Howard.

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He had a rocky start to his NFL career with a hand injury and no playing time but a great coach can significantly elevate his playing intensity. It was in his final year of NCAA eligibility that he transferred to Ohio State and turned things around with head coach Ryan Day. The same could be translated to the NFL.

With a new coach at the helm and Howard starting for the team in year two, Rooney can envision a Brady-Belichick-like era unfolding in Pittsburgh. Certainly, a new beginning to end their Super Bowl title drought of 17 years.