Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott continues to climb up the list of longest tenured head coaches in the NFL.

On Tuesday, McDermott took one step closer to the top of the list when Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons with the team.

McDermott is now the second-longest tenured head coach in the NFL behind only Andy Reid. Buffalo’s head coach is tied for second with Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan.

Tomlin decided to walk away from the Steelers less than 24 hours after the team was eliminated from the playoffs in a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans. It was the Steelers’ seventh straight postseason defeat.

Tomlin said the following in a statement:

After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team. I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.

I want to also thank Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team.

While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh.

No franchise has been more patient with head coaches than the Steelers. Since 1969, the team has only had three head coaches: Chuck Knoll (1969-1991), Bill Cowher (1992-2006) and Tomlin (2007-2025).

On Tuesday, McDermott was asked about Tomlin. He heaped praise on the former Steelers head coach and referred to Tomlin as a role model.

“What a career,” McDermott told the media. “For me, getting introduced to Mike on campus at William & Mary years ago, he was a role model/trailblazer for me… At that point, you could tell he was going to do great things in his career and life. And that’s what he’s done. True honor and pleasure to be around him.”