Ryan Clark discusses potential coaching career after leaving ESPN
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 10:40 AM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark is weighing a potential transition to coaching following his departure from ESPN earlier this year. The analyst, who spent 13 years in the NFL, was let go by the network during organizational restructuring following its acquisition of NFL Network. Mike Tomlin, who coached Clark in Pittsburgh from 2008 to 2013, publicly endorsed the former player's leadership skills and ability to connect with personnel. Clark stated on social media that he previously considered coaching after his playing career ended but focused on broadcasting instead. While he expressed an openness to the role in the future, he confirmed he is not currently pursuing a coaching position. His name previously surfaced as a potential candidate for NFL coaching vacancies in media reports.
- •Ryan Clark spent 13 years in the NFL playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders.
- •Mike Tomlin coached Clark in Pittsburgh for six seasons and described him as a potential coaching candidate.
- •Clark worked as an analyst at ESPN for 11 years before his departure this year.
- •Clark has not committed to pursuing a coaching career despite recent public endorsements.
- 10:40 AMYahoo Sports — Steelers Legend Ryan Clark Announces Stance on Coaching After ESPN Firing
"“I think Ryan Clark is a coach,” former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on the Today Show. That’s immensely high praise coming from him for the former analyst, who were at Pittsburgh together from 2008 to 2013.
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