Steelers lineman Alex Highsmith details team meeting in which Mike Tomlin stepped down: 'We were all in shock'
The Steelers were shocked to hear long-time coach Mike Tomlin was leaving the franchise.
Mike Tomlin’s decision to resign as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers took many by surprise. Given both his excellence and longevity, it seemed possible that Tomlin would continue coaching the team for decades to come. His exit left many in shock.
But no group was more surprised about Tomlin’s resignation than Steelers players. One of those players, defensive lineman Alex Highsmith detailed how the team felt upon hearing the news, saying players were “in shock. ” “He told us in our team meeting and I think we were all in shock.
” “Everyone LOVES to be coached by him…it definitely hurt. ” Steelers LB Alex Highsmith discusses the departure of former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin: pic. twitter.
com/XOtB80L3Ah — Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) March 25, 2026 Highsmith’s comments read: “He told us during a team meeting and I think we were all in shock, because Coach Tomlin is truly 1-of-1. And just to be coached by him for six years was a blessing. “[Tomlin is] truly a players’ coach.