The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to process the sudden retirement of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, and as more details emerge, a clearer picture is forming of how the organization said goodbye behind the scenes.
According to former Steelers scout Mark Gorscak, a final sendoff for Tomlin was organized by former general manager Kevin Colbert — not as a press conference or formal ceremony, but as a large, private Zoom gathering that brought together a wide range of voices from across Tomlin’s tenure.
“We had a chance to say to Mike individually what he meant to us,” Gorscak said on “The Sick Podcast, Steelers Crazy. ”Mike responded back to us. There had to be about 80 to 100 of us, and it was cool as all get out.”
The call reportedly included not just coaches and executives, but former players — some of whom Gorscak admitted he hadn’t seen or spoken to in years. It became less of a structured farewell and more of a reunion, reflecting the deep and lasting connections Tomlin built throughout his time in Pittsburgh.
“There were obscure players on there I hadn’t seen in forever,” Gorsack added, emphasizing just how far Tomlin’s reach extended within the organization.
Despite the shocking nature of Tomlin’s abrupt decision to step away, the tone of the call wasn’t somber. Instead, it carried a sense of appreciation and shared history.
“It was a great mood,” Gorsack said. “Because we all had great experiences together.”
That atmosphere speaks to the culture Tomlin cultivated during his nearly two-decade run — one rooted in respect, consistency, and relationships that stretched far beyond the field. While the timing of his retirement may have caught many off guard, the outpouring of support and gratitude during that final call underscored the impact he left behind.
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