Fact Check: Was Mike Tomlin in a relationship with a nurse in Pennsylvania?

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA: Mike Tomlin’s separation from the Pittsburgh Steelers could affect the team dynamics to a great extent. As the head coach, he spent 19 long years coaching the team and formed an unmatched bond among players.

Following his departure, a rumor circulated online claiming that Mike Tomlin was involved in a relationship with a nurse in Pennsylvania. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: Mike Tomlin was involved in a relationship with a nurse in Pennsylvania

After Mike Tomlin left his position as the head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, a rumor circulated online claiming that he was involved in a relationship with a nurse in Pennsylvania.

An X user wrote, "BREAKING NEWS: Mike Tomlin ending his 19-year career as the Steelers Head Coach over a beautiful mid NURSE. Stay away from nurses!!"

Moreover, the post also attached a picture of a woman wearing a white shirt and black trousers, while holding a black purse. 

Meanwhile, another X user wrote, "Wait, how did I miss this?! Mike Tomlin stepped down from an affair?! Why was this swept under the rug? Mike Tomlin Affair: Does Former Steelers Coach Have a Baby With Nina Pagley?"

Instagram personality Harold White ignited the controversy by repeating claims he said were circulating privately. He said in a video, "Why is there a rumor going around about the real reason that Mike Tomlin stepped down from coaching the Pittsburgh Steelers is because he got a side woman pregnant while his wife has cancer and he broke the personal conduct rule or something, and so they trying to keep everything hush."

He added, "Rumor is gaining traction even down to people, they're saying that this woman was a bartender. ... People that work with her are verifying this and they saying that he paid her $3.5 million to stay quiet. I'm getting DMs, people saying this is true, that this is out of Newcastle, Pittsburgh. They have even dropped pictures, allegedly of Tomlin with this mistress."

Fact Check: No credible evidence to back the claims

The claims made in the online rumors are false, as there is no credible evidence to prove that Mike Tomlin was involved in a relationship with a nurse in Pennsylvania. 

There are no confirmed reports that could prove that Mike Tomlin has had an affair and cheated on his wife. No NFL insider or player has confirmed the rumor, making it look like a false story that has sparked panic online. 

Furthermore, neither Mike Tomlin nor his family has issued any statements about the alleged affair story so far.

Following Tomlin's departure from the role, his wife, Kiya Tomlin, shared a heartfelt statement for her husband on her Instagram story. She wrote, "As many of you are aware, my husband has stepped down from his position as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I want to take a moment to share something from my heart."

"I am incredibly proud of all he has accomplished, both on and off the field. Over the past few days, the messages and testimonies shared by current and former players — the men who knew him best — have been deeply moving. They’ve affirmed what I’ve always known to be true about his purpose and character," Kiya added.