"He's Going To Start Getting The Itch": Steelers First Rounder Believes It Won't Be Long Until One Legend Returns

When the Pittsburgh Steelers used the 32nd overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft to select Ziggy Hood, the expectation inside the organization was that they were landing a long-term piece for the defensive line. Coming out of Missouri, Hood was seen as a high-motor, physical presence who could develop into a steady contributor in a unit built on toughness and consistency. For a franchise that has long valued homegrown talent up front, the pick fit a familiar blueprint of betting on traits and development within a proven system.

In the early stages of his career, Hood was viewed as a player who could grow into a larger role over time. He worked within a veteran-heavy defense and was given opportunities to carve out snaps, but the transition from promising first-round pick to dependable starter never fully materialized the way Pittsburgh had hoped. The flashes were there, but they were never sustained long enough to change his standing within the organization.

Looking back, Hood’s Steelers tenure stands as a reminder of how quickly expectations can shift in the NFL. He ultimately never received a second contract from the team that drafted him in the first round, a reality that speaks to how narrow the margin is for late first-round selections to establish themselves long term. As Hood later reflected in comments to Martín O’Donnell, his time in Pittsburgh carried both lessons and perspective on how difficult it is to stick in a place that expects nothing less than immediate and lasting impact. 

"He was a great coach, great organization," Hood said. "I have nothing bad to say about anybody, really, any organization because they gave me the opportunity to play. And so, I could never bring myself to badmouth anybody because, like I said, with the opportunity to play, it’s my choice and my decision to do whatever I need to do to prolong my career."

After the 2025 season ended, Hood's former head coach, who drafted him, Mike Tomlin elected to step away from coaching. Hood shared his reaction to hearing that news. 

He wasn't shocked to hear Tomlin was hanging up his clipboard for some time. However, he predicts he will return to coaching soon.

"No, I wasn’t," Hood said. "The man has been over there what, over 20 years or something like that? And then to have a run and to have another, you know, not a losing season. That’s a blessing opportunity. He’s going to go down as one of the greatest coaches in the NFL for being with that organization. And I’m pretty sure he likes the time off right now. He gets to spend time with his family, do the things he normally couldn’t around this time because they either be preparing for the draft, getting ready for OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and training camp. So, I’m pretty sure he’s going to take a year off and then he’s going to start getting the itch to coach back again."

Whether Tomlin decides to come back and coach in the NFL at some point remains to be seen. He is a competitive coach who likely feels he was never able to fully solve the playoff problem during his time in Pittsburgh. That, in part, is why some believe he ultimately stepped away despite still being just 54 years old.

Steelers Former HC Mike Tomlin May Return To Coaching Down The Road

Many around the league do not think this is the last time he will pick up a clipboard. Hood believes Tomlin will return to coaching, which is an interesting perspective for Steelers fans to hear. 

However, it is also widely assumed that if he does coach again, it likely will not be with the Steelers unless something truly unexpected and unforeseen were to happen.

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