Aaron Rodgers not expected back with Steelers after Mike Tomlin’s departure as possible retirement looming

Aaron Rodgers’ days in Pittsburgh may be over. 

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Saturday that the shocking departure of Mike Tomlin after 19 seasons “leaves the future of” Rodgers with the Steelers “in doubt.” 

Rapoport added that he does “not expect” the future Hall of Famer to return to the Steelers. 

Steelers owner Art Rooney II doesn’t seem confident that Rodgers will be coming back either, saying Wednesday that the Tomlin departure changes things.

“Aaron came here to play for Mike, so I think it will most likely affect his decision,” Rooney said.

While a reunion doesn’t appear likely, it’s unclear if we’ve seen the last of Rodgers on an NFL field or not. 

In June, Rodgers said he was “pretty sure” he would retire after the 2025 season, but he seemed to leave the door open for a 22nd season in the league after the Steelers’ wild-card round loss Monday to the Texans.

“I’m not going to make any emotional decisions,” Rodgers said. “At this point, obviously such a fun year. A lot of adversity, but a lot of fun. Been a great year overall in my life in the last year, and this is a really good part of that, coming here and being part of this team. So, it’s disappointing to be sitting here with the season over.”

Rodgers, who turned 42 in December, said he would “just get away and then have the right conversations” before making his decision on 2026. 

The Steelers, meanwhile, are focused on finding their next head coach for the first time in nearly two decades. 

Pittsburgh has or plans to interview Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, among others.