The 2026 NFL season will kick off on Wednesday, Sept. 9, when the Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl 60 rematch.
For the first time since 2006, Mike Tomlin will not be preparing for a season opener of his own with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Instead, the long-time NFL coach will be a part of NBC’s coverage of the Seahawks-Patriots matchup, serving as an analyst for the network’s “Football Night In America” pregame show.
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The irony of Tomlin’s new position is not lost on the 54-year-old, as he explained in a recent interview with Craig Melvin of “Today.”
“I’ve trained myself over the years to tune out some of what I refer to as noise,” Tomlin said. “Now, the noise is my business.”
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See which of the eight new ‘Rivalries’ NFL uniforms make a statement
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See which of the eight new ‘Rivalries’ NFL uniforms make a statement
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See which of the eight new ‘Rivalries’ NFL uniforms make a statement
#1 – Minnesota Vikings Debut date: Dec. 20 vs. Lions The Vikings’ Rivalries look pairs a deeper purple color scheme with Norse-inspired details.
(Nike)
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See which of the eight new ‘Rivalries’ NFL uniforms make a statement
#2 – Tennessee Titans Debut date: Nov. 15 vs. Jaguars The Titans’ navy Rivalries uniform celebrates Nashville’s “Music City” identity with neon-inspired numbers and music-themed design elements.
(Nike)
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See which of the eight new ‘Rivalries’ NFL uniforms make a statement
#3 Jacksonville Jaguars Debut date: Nov. 1 vs. Colts Jacksonville’s cream-colored Rivalries uniform draws inspiration from the city’s coastal culture, featuring custom script lettering and jaguar-print details.
(Nike)
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See which of the eight new ‘Rivalries’ NFL uniforms make a statement
#4 Green Bay Packers Debut date: Oct. 11 vs. Bears The Packers’ alternate look incorporates vintage green tones and design details inspired by the franchise’s unique tradition of public ownership.
(Nike)
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See which of the eight new ‘Rivalries’ NFL uniforms make a statement
#5 Indianapolis Colts Debut date: Sept. 27 vs. Texans The Colts’ design updates classic team elements with dark blue, black and gray accents while highlighting the franchise’s horseshoe imagery.
(Nike)
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See which of the eight new ‘Rivalries’ NFL uniforms make a statement
#6 Detroit Lions Debut date: Nov. 1 vs. Vikings Detroit’s Rivalries design features Honolulu blue accents, carbon-fiber-inspired numbers and elements reflecting the city’s automotive heritage.
(Nike)
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See which of the eight new ‘Rivalries’ NFL uniforms make a statement
#7 Houston Texans Debut date: Nov. 19 vs. Colts Houston’s all-white Rivalries uniform features chrome-inspired finishes and blue numbers influenced by the city’s iconic ‘Be Someone’ bridge.
(Nike)
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See which of the eight new ‘Rivalries’ NFL uniforms make a statement
#8 Chicago Bears Debut date: Dec. 25 vs. Packers The Bears’ Rivalries uniform blends deep blue and burnt orange colors with details honoring George Halas and the franchise’s historic roots.
(Nike)
Tomlin spent 19 seasons as the Steelers’ head coach, leading the team to a Super Bowl 48 win over the Arizona Cardinals while never logging a losing season. His 193 regular-season wins are tied with Chuck Noll, another Steelers legend, for the ninth-most in NFL history.
As such, Tomlin’s move to the analyst’s desk is marked change for him after he spent the last 25 years coaching in the NFL.
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Even so, he wasn’t exactly sure how to describe any type of learning curve he was facing during his transition to the broadcast world.
“I don’t know, ’cause I have nothing to compare it to,” the former Steelers coach said. “It’s been a fun process to be a novice at something.”
Tomlin already made his broadcast debut during the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers.
Nonetheless, the 54-year-old explained that he is dealing with “a little bit of performance anxiety” as he acclimates to his role during the 2026 NFL season.
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“It’s good. I like that,” Tomlin said. “I like being on edge. I like being the newbie.”
Tomlin has also enjoyed getting some time away from the grind that came with the rigorous schedule required of an NFL coach.
“I never knew what I was missing,” Tomlin said. “So it’s a new world for me.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Mike Tomlin is welcoming ‘a little bit of performance anxiety’ in new job
