Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti had a similar reaction to many across the league Tuesday when he got the news that Mike Tomlin is leaving the Steelers.
Only Bisciotti's reaction was in front of a packed auditorium and thousands of live viewers.
During his wide-ranging, hour-long press conference Tuesday, Bisciotti was asked if Tomlin is a candidate to become the Ravens' next head coach, minutes after the news of Tomlin's departure broke.
"Holy [expletive], [Baltimore Sun columnist] Mike [Preston], wouldn't that be awesome?" Bisciotti said with a smile. "Only if John [Harbaugh] takes the Pittsburgh job. Wow, wouldn't that be interesting? I don't know. That thing last week, [Tomlin pounding his chest after beating the Ravens in Week 18], maybe disqualified him from my opening after our kicker missed a kick to let them advance.
"Good for Mike. Yeah, I don't know. Talk to [General Manager Eric DeCosta]. I love Mike. I mean, I've admired Mike for 18 years, and that's really shocking that he did it that way."
Tomlin's departure marks the second of two seismic moves in the AFC North after the Ravens parted ways with Harbaugh last week. Tomlin was the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL at 19 years. Harbaugh was second at 18 years. The Browns also let go of head coach Kevin Stefanski after six seasons together, leaving Zac Taylor as the only active coach left in the division.
Tomlin informed his team of the decision during a team meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, one day after Pittsburgh were blown out by the Texans in the Wild-Card round.
"This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team," Tomlin said in a statement. "I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.
"I want to also thank Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team."
Tomlin could go into television, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
