NBC's NFL coverage for the upcoming 2026 season − aside from its marquee "Sunday Night Football" lineup − might have just gotten a lot more riveting.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will be joining the network's pre-game coverage, USA TODAY Sports has learned, according to a person familiar with the situation. That person was granted anonymity because NBC has not yet made an official announcement. The Athletic first reported Tomlin's plans, the Peacock evidently winning out over Fox while bidding for his services.
Must See TV indeed − as Tomlin's news conferences so often were.
His quick wit, typical deadpan delivery, deep trove of football knowledge and experience were long expected to make him a media superstar whenever he decided to make that transition. Viewers can only hope for an expanded menu of signature Tomlin metaphors during "Football Night in America" after being treated to such gems over the years as "Two dogs, one bone," "We want volunteers, not hostages," "I'm fundamentally against comfort," and "I expect routine catches to be made routinely." And, of course, "The standard is the standard."
Tomlin, 54, is essentially replacing Tony Dungy, for whom he served as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers more than two decades ago and earned a Super Bowl ring. Dungy announced his departure from NBC in March.
