Mike Tomlin return could bring Ryan Clark back to the NFL in unexpected role

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty ImagesRyan Clark has hinted that he could consider returning to the NFL as part of Mike Tomlin’s coaching staff if his former coach decides to leave the broadcast booth.The former Pittsburgh Steelers safety suggested he would be open to working alongside Tomlin, even joking about potentially taking on a defensive coaching position or an executive role.Clark won a Super Bowl under Tomlin and has remained vocal about the coach’s future since his departure from Pittsburgh.Ryan Clark says Mike Tomlin could tempt him back into the NFLClark shared his thoughts on X, making it clear that Tomlin would be one of the few people capable of convincing him to return to football.He wrote: “Wonder if Coach T comes back to coaching next year, if he’ll put his hiring where his mouth was on @craigmelvin ’s “Glass Half Full”. I mean, everyone needs a Pass Game Coordinator, DB Coach, assistant head coach, right? He’s one of two people who could get me to consider it… or could go be an executive with him,”Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons as the Steelers’ head coach following the 2025 campaign. He subsequently joined NBC Sports as an analyst on Football Night in America.Although Tomlin has insisted he is enjoying his new role, he has not completely ruled out returning to coaching.“I haven’t given one iota of thought about coaching,” Tomlin said. “I’m sure that some of that is going to come up in the not-too-distant future. But I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. I’m really excited about my new role and working to get better every week.”The 19-year head coach never recorded a losing season in Pittsburgh and guided the franchise to 13 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title.Clark previously suggested that a change of scenery could benefit both Tomlin and the Steelers. Speaking on The Pivot, he explained that the team’s direction under Mike McCarthy appeared to have improved.There is also a contractual complication. Tomlin’s extension signed in 2024 could have kept him in Pittsburgh through 2027, meaning the Steelers retain his coaching rights and could negotiate compensation if he returns before then.Clark has spent much of his post-playing career in broadcasting and podcasting, but his latest comments have opened the door to an unexpected reunion.For now, Tomlin remains focused on his broadcasting career. However, if he returns to an NFL sideline, Clark has made it clear that he could be willing to join him.Read more:Rob Gronkowski says the Las Vegas Raiders made one of the best moves in NFL historyCharity reveals ‘very generous donation’ as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding giftKirk Cousins made one key decision before Raiders agreed Vikings trade