​Cam Heyward recently asked Jon Gruden what it would take for an NFL team to trade for Mike Tomlin during an episode of the “Not Just Football” podcast, adding momentum to what has been an intriguing hypothetical since Tomlin stepped down seven months ago. Tomlin will spend the 2026 season as a studio analyst for NBC Sports’ “Football Night in America,” but the Steelers retain his coaching rights through 2027 because of the three-year extension he signed in June 2024.That means a team hoping to bring Tomlin back to the sideline before his contract expires would have to negotiate with Pittsburgh rather than simply hire him. With several coaches entering 2026 under significant pressure, the Jets, Colts, Buccaneers and Bengals could become aggressive enough to explore a deal.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSteelers fans know coaching uncertainty can reshape an AFC race quickly, and the New York Jets may be first in line for change. Aaron Glenn went 3-14 after a 0-7 start, leaving little room for patience in 2026. Geno Smith is projected to lead an unsettled quarterback room while dealing with legal trouble off the field. If New York’s offense sputters again, Glenn may not even get a full season to prove the rebuild is moving forward.The Indianapolis Colts present pressure built on expectations rather than a total teardown. Shane Steichen has shown he can design a productive offense, but the Colts have repeatedly faded late and haven’t reached the playoffs under him. His 25-26 career record leaves little cushion entering 2026. For Pittsburgh, a coaching change in Indianapolis could affect the AFC wild-card picture, especially if a talented Colts roster spends the season searching for week-to-week consistency at quarterback and in close games.Todd Bowles once looked secure after opening his Tampa Bay Buccaneers tenure with three straight NFC South titles, but last season’s playoff miss changed the temperature. The Buccaneers peaked at 10-7 in 2024, then slipped backward, and Mike Evans’ departure removes a piece from the offense. Bowles now has to keep Tampa competitive without its longtime star receiver. Another regression would likely force ownership to decide whether division titles are enough to overlook a fading trajectory.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Cincinnati Bengals’ situation is the one Steelers fans will watch closely. Zac Taylor reached a Super Bowl and made two early playoff trips, but Cincinnati has now missed three straight postseasons and just posted its first losing record since 2020. Joe Burrow’s injuries explain part of the decline, though a fourth consecutive miss could end Taylor’s run. Any Tomlin trade speculation would be wild given the rivalry, divisional politics and Pittsburgh’s history with its coach.This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 4 teams with hot-seat coaches that could trade Steelers for Mike Tomlin