NFL world reacts as longtime Steelers coach opts not to retire

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ postseason win drought has reached a full decade, with the Steelers falling to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round of this year’s AFC playoffs. The franchise seemed as if it was doomed to spend another full decade in football purgatory, then head coach Mike Tomlin made the shocking decision to step down from the role he’d held for 19 seasons.

Many assumed that Tomlin would have multiple coaching offers whenever his time in Pittsburgh was wrapped, but per reports, he is taking a break from coaching altogether and focusing on spending time with his family.

Another longtime Steelers coach, however, fully intends to keep his coaching career going and has already joined a new organization.

“The #Buccaneers are hiring veteran special teams coordinator Danny Smith, sources tell me and (Ian Rapoport). Now 50 years into his coaching career, Smith is still going and still considered one of the best in the biz. On to Tampa for the 72-year-old, gum-chewing Smith,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported.

The #Buccaneers are hiring veteran special teams coordinator Danny Smith, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Now 50 years into his coaching career, Smith is still going and still considered one of the best in the biz. On to Tampa for the 72-year-old, gum-chewing Smith. pic.twitter.com/Apn4dYj71q

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 20, 2026

Fans reacted to the move on social media.

“Overrated by Steeler fan boys. Zero return game and from 2020 up lead NFL in special teams penalties. Steeler fans love him because he chews a big wad of gum. Enjoy. Good news for Steelers,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

“Between he and Tom Moore…we have approximately 160 years of life experience on that bench,” one Buccaneers fan added.

“Dude just wants to retire to Florida and be paid for the privilege. Bowles only requirement was to be even older than he is,” another fan added.

It’ll be interesting to see how much Smith has left in the tank.