Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger mentioned an out-of-the-box idea on the latest episode of his Footbahlin podcast, claiming that Mike Tomlin would be a great fit at Penn State. Penn State has a vacant head coach position after firing James Franklin in October.
"Maybe a fresh start for him is what's best. Whether that's in the pros, maybe go be Penn State's head coach. You know what he would do in Penn State? He would probably go win national championships, because he's a great recruiter," Roethlisberger said.
According to a source that CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones talked to this week, Roethlisberger's comment was viewed as 'disrespectful' to Tomlin, who as no desire of coaching in the college ranks.
"Ben is more concerned about remaining relevant than being real and respectful," the source told Jones .
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in a game against the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 30, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Tomlin already threw cold water on that idea of coaching in college in 2021 when he was mentioned as a candidate for the USC and LSU head coach positions.
"Hey guys, I don't have time for that speculation. I mean, that's a joke to me. I got one of the best jobs in all of professional sport. Why would I have any interest in coaching college football?" Tomlin said . "And that will be the last time I will address it. Not only today, but moving forward. Never say never. But never . OK? There's not a booster with a big enough check.
"Anybody asking [Saints coach] Sean Payton about that? Anybody asking [Chiefs coach] Andy Reid about stuff like that?"
If Tomlin moves on from the Steelers, it will be with another NFL team. He's made that evident in the past and nothing has changed since.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Big Ben Blasted for Linking Mike Tomlin to Penn State HC Job: 'More Concerned About Remaining Relevant'
Related Headlines
