If you’re waking up and checking your phone to see what time is the Steelers playing today, I have some tough news that might sting a little. As of Friday, January 16, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't actually on the schedule for today.
Their season hit a wall just a few days ago.
Usually, this time of year in Pittsburgh is electric. You’ve got the Terrible Towels out, the local bars are prepping for a rush, and everyone is debating whether the defense can carry a shaky offense. But after Monday’s Wild Card result, the lights at Acrisure Stadium have gone dim for the winter.
The Wild Card Heartbreak
Honestly, the game against the Houston Texans was brutal. If you missed the Monday night matchup on January 12, here is the short version: it wasn't pretty. The Steelers ended up losing 30-6.
One of the biggest questions leading into the week was whether Aaron Rodgers—who surprisingly steered this ship for the 2025 season—had one last miracle in him. He didn’t. The Texans' defense, led by a relentless pass rush, basically lived in the backfield. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the game felt like it had been over for an hour.
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Because of that loss, the Steelers were eliminated from the 2026 NFL playoffs.
Who Is Playing Today Instead?
Since the Steelers are out, you might be looking for something to fill that football-shaped hole in your heart. Today is Friday, and the NFL usually keeps its playoff games to the weekend. While there are no games "today" (Friday), the Divisional Round kicks off tomorrow.
Here is what the schedule looks like for the teams that actually survived:
- Saturday, Jan 17: The Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos at 4:30 PM ET. Following that, it's a West Coast showdown with the San Francisco 49ers at the Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The team that beat us, the Houston Texans, travels to face the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET. Later that night, the Rams play the Bears at 6:30 PM ET.
It's weird seeing the Patriots and Broncos back at the top of the heap, isn't it? The NFL landscape shifted fast this year.
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The End of the Tomlin Era?
The real reason everyone is still asking about the Steelers today isn't just about a game time—it's about the massive news that dropped right after the loss.
Mike Tomlin is stepping away.
After nearly two decades and never having a losing season until the wheels finally wobbled a bit, the legendary coach is moving on. It’s the end of an era that defined Pittsburgh football for a generation. Reports suggest he walked off the turf Monday night knowing it was his last time leading the black and gold.
Cam Heyward was seen in the locker room afterward, visibly emotional. When your veteran leaders are that torn up, you know the culture is changing. The search for a new head coach is officially the "game" Pittsburgh is playing now.
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What’s Next for the Black and Gold?
Even though there isn't a kickoff today, the front office is busier than ever. The 2026 off-season is going to be a wild ride for Steelers fans.
First, there’s the quarterback situation. Rodgers was a short-term gamble that got them to a division title, but he’s not the future. Then there’s the coaching search. Names like Ben Johnson or even a return to the "Steelers way" with a defensive-minded hire are already floating around the local sports talk shows.
Basically, the team is entering a full-blown transition phase.
If you were hoping to see them on TV today, you’ll have to wait until the 2026 preseason starts in August. For now, the focus is on the NFL Draft and rebuilding a coaching staff that can return this team to a deep playoff run rather than another first-round exit.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Watch the Divisional Round: If you want to scout the competition for next year, the Texans-Patriots game on Sunday will show you exactly what the Steelers were missing in terms of playoff execution.
- Track the Coach Search: Keep an eye on local Pittsburgh outlets like the Post-Gazette or TribLive over the next 48 hours; interviews for Tomlin's replacement are expected to start almost immediately.
- Draft Position: Start looking at the 2026 NFL Draft boards. With a mid-round pick, the Steelers are in a prime spot to look for a young franchise tackle or a defensive playmaker to assist T.J. Watt.
The season is over, but the work for 2026 has already begun.