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NASA brings astronauts home early after health issue in first-ever evacuation
NASA carried out its first medical evacuation from space early Thursday, bringing four astronauts back to Earth more than a month early after a crew member reported health issues aboard the International Space Station.
SpaceX guided the Dragon capsule to a nighttime splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, completing the return less than 11 hours after the crew departed the orbiting laboratory.
"Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, @zenanaut, @AstroIronMike, @Astro_Kimiya, and Oleg!" SpaceX said in a post on X.
NASA said the affected astronaut was stable while in orbit, but that mission managers decided an early return was the safest course to allow for proper medical evaluation and diagnostic testing on Earth.
Officials emphasized that the return did not require any special procedures and that standard medical teams were on hand during recovery.
The mission’s early conclusion left the space station temporarily staffed by just three astronauts — one American and two Russians — a configuration NASA said is manageable but limits some operations.
Agency officials said no spacewalks, including emergency repairs, can be conducted until the arrival of the next crew.
NASA stressed that the decision was precautionary and not the result of an emergency. The health issue emerged on Jan. 7, prompting the cancellation of a scheduled spacewalk the following day and ultimately leading to the shortened mission.
It marked the first time NASA has cut short a spaceflight for medical reasons, though similar decisions were made by Russian space programs decades ago.
NASA and SpaceX said they are working to move up the launch of a replacement crew of four, currently scheduled for mid-February.
Federal court clears California’s new House map boosting Democrats ahead of 2026 midterms
California can move forward with a new U.S. House map that would boost Democrats’ chances in the 2026 midterms, a federal court ruled Wednesday.
A three-judge panel in Los Angeles ruled 2-1 to deny requests from both state Republicans and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to block the map from being used, giving Democrats a realistic chance at flipping up to five House seats in the midterm election.
In November, California voters passed a ballot initiative, known as Proposition 50, dramatically altering the state's congressional districts. The pursuit of the new map was largely viewed as an attempt to offset recent redistricting in Texas, which generated more Republican-leaning districts.
"Republicans’ weak attempt to silence voters failed," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. "California voters overwhelmingly supported Prop 50 – to respond to Trump’s rigging in Texas – and that is exactly what this court concluded."
FEDERAL JUDGES BLOCK TEXAS FROM USING REDRAWN CONGRESSIONAL MAP
The complaint challenged California's efforts to redraw the state's congressional map, with DOJ Civil Rights Division lawyers arguing that race was "used as a proxy" to justify creating districts that benefit Democrats.
But California Democrats argued that the map was legal because it was drawn for partisan advantage.
In 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that partisan gerrymandering is a political question and not one for federal courts to decide. On Wednesday, the California panel sided with the state’s argument, saying there was insufficient evidence that the maps were drawn based on race.
RED STATE MOVES FORWARD ON TRUMP-BACKED PUSH FOR NEW CONGRESSIONAL MAP
"After reviewing the evidence, we conclude that it was exactly as one would think: it was partisan," the judges wrote.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Lee, an appointee of President Donald Trump, said in dissent that at least one district was drawn using race as a factor "to curry favor with Latino groups and voters."
Still, Republicans are expected to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
The panel's ruling constitutes a major victory for Democrats following the implementation of new congressional maps in several Republican-led states.
Last year, Missouri moved forward with congressional redistricting that favors Republicans, and North Carolina's Republican-controlled legislature signed off on a new map that may lead to an additional congressional victory for the GOP.
"Californians overwhelmingly voted in favor of Proposition 50. Today’s decision upholds the will of the people. It also means that, to date, every single challenge against Proposition 50 has failed," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. "I couldn’t be prouder of my team for successfully defending this ballot initiative in court on behalf of Governor Newsom and Secretary of State Weber. We remain confident in the legality of Proposition 50."
House maps are typically redrawn every 10 years following the census, and the process rarely takes place mid-decade. California relies on an independent commission to draw maps, while other states, including Texas, allow lawmakers to lead the effort.
To retake control of the House in the midterms, Democrats need to pick up only a handful of seats. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority with 218 seats to Democrats’ 213.
Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser, Ashley Oliver and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Protesters clash with federal officers after another ICE shooting in Minneapolis
Protesters and federal law enforcement clashed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night into Thursday morning after a second ICE-involved shooting in the city, as local officials continue to demand the agency leave.
An ICE agent shot an alleged illegal immigrant in the leg on Wednesday during an arrest attempt. The Department of Homeland Security claims the agent fired at the suspect because he was "fearing for his life and safety" after the individual resisted arrest and "violently assaulted the officer."
The suspect was reported to be stable and is now in custody, while the ICE agent is allegedly in the hospital.
This comes after an incident last week in Minneapolis, where Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by masked ICE agent Jonathan Ross, who fired into the driver's windshield and open window from the side of the vehicle and subsequently exclaimed "f---ing b----" as the car crashed into another parked vehicle.
MINNESOTA SUES TRUMP ADMIN OVER SWEEPING IMMIGRATION RAIDS IN TWIN CITIES
Democrats and local residents have condemned the shooting as a murder and called for Ross' prosecution, while the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers have defended the incident by arguing that it was a justified shooting.
Protests continued on Wednesday after the latest shooting, with demonstrators using horns and whistles and officers deploying tear gas and pepper balls.
There were at least a hundred people at the scene, where officers were dispersing pepper spray, throwing pepper balls and using flash bangs as protesters tossed items at the agents. Demonstrators were also calling on ICE to leave the city and holding signs with phrases such as "f--- ICE."
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said a crowd was committing "unlawful acts," including throwing fireworks at officers, and urged people to "leave immediately."
"This is already a very tense situation, and we do not need this to escalate any further," he said.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz urged peaceful demonstrations in response to the shooting.
"I know you’re angry. I’m angry. What Donald Trump wants is violence in the streets. But Minnesota will remain an island of decency, of justice, of community, and of peace. Don’t give him what he wants," Walz wrote on X.
Walz also made an address to Minnesotans where he again called on ICE to leave the state.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who has repeatedly demanded that ICE leave, said the agency's presence is not establishing safety for community members.
"This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in," he said at a news conference, adding that the deployment of roughly 3,000 ICE agents in Minneapolis and statewide was "creating chaos."
JEFFRIES SAYS DHS SECRETARY NOEM 'SHOULD BE RUN OUT OF TOWN' AMID ICE SHOOTING BACKLASH
"It's certainly not creating safety when a huge percentage of the shootings that have taken place so far this year in Minneapolis have been by ICE," he said. "So let's be very clear. I've seen conduct from ICE that is disgusting and is intolerable."
The mayor also praised people protesting peacefully but warned that others were "taking the bait."
"We cannot counter Donald Trump's chaos with our own brand of chaos," he said.
"American citizens are getting picked up off the street by people in masks," the mayor added. "That's not the way things should be conducted in any city in America. That's not who we are, that's not America. So I'm calling for peace. Everybody has a role in achieving that peace. We're going to try to do everything we can to keep it."
Fox News' Michael Sinkewicz and Bill Melugin contributed to this report.
Giants working to finalize deal to make John Harbaugh next head coach: reports
John Harbaugh and the New York Giants are working on an agreement to make him the team’s next head coach, per multiple reports.
The deal reportedly hasn’t been finalized, but Harbaugh is expected to end up in New York, pending any unforeseen setbacks.
Harbaugh interviewed in person with the Giants on Wednesday, spending hours at the team facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Super Bowl-winning former coach of the Baltimore Ravens was believed to be New York’s top candidate in the search for Brian Daboll’s full-time successor.
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Fired by the Baltimore Ravens after missing the playoffs on a missed field goal attempt at the buzzer in the season finale, Harbaugh is on track to pick the Giants over other possible landing spots, including Tennessee and Atlanta.
Harbaugh's release from the Ravens made him the most sought-after coaching candidate of the current cycle and, arguably, one of the most coveted coaching candidates in recent NFL history.
President Donald Trump even endorsed Harbaugh in a Truth Social Post, then in a later post specifically endorsed the idea of the Giants hiring Harbaugh.
"The New York Football Giants should hire, without question, John Harbaugh – And John, a great guy, should TAKE THE JOB!!!" Trump posted to Truth Social Saturday.
JOHN HARBAUGH REPORTEDLY NOT PLANNING TO INTERVIEW FOR CERTAIN HEAD COACH OPENINGS
Trump seemingly got his way as Harbaugh and the Giants appear set to come to an agreement.
Veteran sports agent Leigh Steinberg previously told Fox News Digital that he also believed the Giants stood out as a top destination for Harbaugh.
"I don't know why, but the New York Giants stand out to me," Steinberg said.
The Ravens made the playoffs 12 times with Harbaugh in charge and won the Super Bowl in the 2012 season, a year after the Giants’ most recent championship.
General manager Joe Schoen, who’s back for a fifth season running the football operations department, said he would cast a wide net in the coaching search. Interviewing Raheem Morris and Antonio Pierce satisfied the NFL’s Rooney Rule requirements for minority or female candidates, and Harbaugh’s visit to northern New Jersey paved the way to make a hire before any of the more than half-dozen teams with a vacancy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Hochul endorses legislation to allow New Yorkers to sue ICE agents: 'Power does not justify abuse'
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is supporting legislation that would allow state residents to sue ICE agents for violating their constitutional rights.
The governor said on Tuesday during her State of the State address that she wants to allow New Yorkers to "hold ICE agents accountable in court when they act outside the scope of their duties."
"This doesn’t interfere with lawful enforcement or public safety," Hochul said. "It simply affirms a core truth: Power does not justify abuse. And if someone’s constitutional rights are violated here in the state of New York, I say they deserve their day in court."
Last year, New York State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Micah Lasher proposed measures to allow private citizens to file lawsuits against federal officials who violate their constitutional rights.
REP RO KHANNA DEMANDS PROSECUTION OF ICE AGENT IN MINNEAPOLIS SHOOTING
Lasher’s version cites Title 42, Section 1983 of the U.S. Code, which allows people to sue state and local officials for violating their rights. The proposal highlights that New York does not have a law in place allowing citizens to sue federal officials.
"Every day, ICE is terrorizing our communities & violating our civil rights. We must be able to hold them accountable," Lasher, who is running for Congress, wrote on X, adding that he is glad Hochul is taking up his legislation.
Multiple states, including California, Massachusetts and New Jersey, have implemented similar laws allowing residents to sue federal officials.
Hochul also proposed other immigration guardrails, including a measure to require judicial warrants before ICE can conduct raids in sensitive locations like schools, churches and hospitals.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration reversed a Biden administration policy barring immigration arrests in these sensitive locations.
The governor also announced that New York "will not allow the use of state resources to assist in federal immigration raids on people who have not committed serious crimes."
Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin alleged in a statement to The Hill that Hochul "continues to smear law enforcement who are simply enforcing the rule of law and are putting their lives on the line to remove violent criminals from New York."
McLaughlin also argued that there has been an increase in threats against federal law enforcement officers who she purports have shown "incredible restraint and professionalism in exhausting all options before any kind of non-lethal force is used."
This debate has intensified after a recent incident in Minneapolis, where Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by an ICE agent during an enforcement action. Protests followed in multiple cities, and Democrats and local residents have condemned the shooting and urged charges against the agent.
The Trump administration and Republican lawmakers have defended the incident by arguing that it was a justified shooting.
Officials are also investigating a second ICE-involved shooting that happened in Minneapolis on Wednesday, as the mayor continues to demand that the agency leave the city and state.
Mamdani housing czar called ‘White, middle-class homeowners’ a ‘huge problem' during 2021 podcast appearance
The housing official appointed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani to lead New York City’s newly revived Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants previously said, "White, middle-class homeowners are a huge problem for a renter justice movement" and argued organizers must "undermine the institution of homeownership," during a 2021 podcast appearance.
Cea Weaver, who was named director of the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants on Jan. 1 through an executive order signed by Mamdani, made the remarks during a September 2021 episode of the "Bad Faith podcast" while discussing eviction policy and renter organizing strategies.
The comments have drawn renewed attention as Weaver now holds formal executive authority over tenant policy and enforcement in New York City.
Her appointment was announced on Mamdani’s first day in office as part of a slate of executive actions reviving the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants, according to City Hall.
During the podcast, Weaver argued that resistance to progressive reform often comes not from large corporate landlords but instead from homeowners.
"I think the reality is that a lot of the people who are pushing back on the eviction moratorium and more rental assistance are not corporate landlords," Weaver said. "They are homeowners who feel as though an eviction moratorium is an attack on their rights as a property owner."
She added that this opposition presents a challenge for housing organizers, saying "White, middle-class homeowners are a huge problem for the renter justice movement."
MAMDANI SAYS HE ‘OBVIOUSLY’ DISAGREES WITH AIDE’S OLD VIEWS LINKING HOMEOWNERSHIP TO WHITE SUPREMACY
Later in the conversation, Weaver said homeownership has become the primary source of stability in the U.S. because of gaps in social programs, but argued that structure itself poses an obstacle to housing activism.
"Unless we can undermine the institution of homeownership and seek to provide stability in other ways, it’s a really difficult organizing situation we find ourselves in," she said.
Weaver framed evictions as a matter of power rather than economics, saying landlords resist the idea that tenants could remain in properties they "consider themselves to own."
In the same podcast, Weaver endorsed policies including universal rent control, the right to form tenant unions, blocking evictions, and funding rental assistance through higher taxes on the wealthy. She also argued that broader government programs could "chip away at homeownership" by providing stability through other means.
Weaver has also drawn scrutiny for past social media posts criticizing white homeownership. In an August 2019 post on X which was later deleted but resurfaced by Fox News Digital, Weaver wrote that "private property including and kind of ESPECIALLY homeownership is a weapon of white supremacy masquerading as ‘wealth building’ public policy."
On her first day in office, Weaver joined Mamdani in announcing city intervention in the bankruptcy proceedings of Pinnacle Group, a landlord tied to housing violations and complaints, according to City Hall.
Fox News Digital contacted the mayor’s press office with questions about whether Mamdani stands by Weaver’s 2021 remarks but did not receive a response by publication.
Fox News Digital's Peter Pinedo contributed to this report.
Parents erupt into massive brawl during Catholic youth basketball game in Staten Island
Footage has captured the disastrous moment when multiple parents erupted into a massive fight during a Catholic youth basketball game last month in Staten Island, New York.
The violent courtside brawl unfolded on Dec. 20 at St. Teresa in Castleton Corners during a 6th grade boys game between the school and Saint Clare, according to SILive. It was monitored by the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), which oversees the parish-based sport.
Video obtained by the Staten Island Advance initially shows two moms locked in a heated exchange that quickly escalated. Tensions boiled over when one shoved the other, sparking a furious exchange of chaotic punches.
Spectators, other parents and school staff then rushed to the scene in an attempt to separate the two mothers, who had begun clutching each other by the hair, with one landing a relentless barrage of punches at the other’s head.
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After several men finally pulled the two women apart, a separate fight erupted during the disruptive melee, the video shows. Chaos reignited as the women returned to each other, continuing their violent struggle amid the ongoing turmoil.
According to CYO County Director Michael Neely, the two women were parents, and some of those who became involved in the altercation were their family members, SILive reported.
Neely added that the two women, along with the family members who became involved, have been suspended indefinitely from attending CYO games.
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"Two families got involved and, in the end, their families have been banned from CYO indefinitely," Neely said.
Until now, leaders reportedly said altercations at Catholic Youth Organization games are typically handled on a case-by-case basis.
However, the fight has prompted officials, including Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella and CYO, to announce new rules on Tuesday aimed at preventing spectators from acting out of bounds.
Spectators ejected by a referee for disruptive behavior at a CYO basketball game will now face a one-year ban.
"The mission was about the kids," Fossella, whose children reportedly played CYO basketball, said during a press conference. "The mission was about teaching them responsibility. The mission was about them having a good time: the kids. The kids are the center of this universe here. And every once in a while some spectators get out of control and ruin it for the kids and ruin it for everybody else."
ICE agent shoots Venezuelan national in Minneapolis after shovel attack during ambush: DHS
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent is in the hospital after being ambushed during an attempt to arrest a Venezuelan national in Minneapolis on Wednesday evening, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The agent was ambushed by two people while attempting to conduct a traffic stop on an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, DHS said, adding that the agent fired his gun during the alleged attack because he was "fearing for his life and safety."
One Venezuelan suspect was shot, but is reported to be stable and is now in custody, DHS said.
The incident began at about 6:50 p.m. local time when federal law enforcement attempted to make a traffic stop, according to DHS, who added that the suspect was released into the country under the Biden administration in 2022.
WOMAN SEEN ON VIDEO ALLEGEDLY BLOCKING MINNESOTA ICE OPERATION WITH CAR AS AGITATORS SURROUND AGENTS
The suspect attempted to evade arrest by driving off, but crashed into a parked car, DHS said. He then fled on foot.
According to DHS, when an officer caught up to the suspect and attempted to take him into custody, the suspect resisted and "violently assaulted the officer."
DHS said two additional individuals came out of a nearby apartment while the officer and suspect were engaged in a "struggle on the ground," and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle.
The original suspect broke free during the altercation and also began striking the officer with a shovel or broom handle, according to DHS.
The officer fired defensive shots to "defend his life," DHS said, and the suspect was hit in the leg.
All three suspects then barricaded themselves inside the apartment before being taken into custody, DHS said.
"This attack on another brave member of law enforcement took place while Minnesota’s top leaders, Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, are actively encouraging an organized resistance to ICE and federal law enforcement officers," DHS said in a statement.
The department added that the two leaders' "hateful rhetoric and resistance against men and women who are simply trying to do their jobs must end."
"Federal law enforcement officers are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest criminals and lawbreakers," DHS said.
OMAR, DEMS DEMAND NOEM IMPEACHMENT, PAINT MINNESOTA WOMAN SHOT BY ICE AS 'POET' WHO CHOSE 'LOVE'
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said a crowd was gathering at the scene and committing "unlawful acts," including throwing fireworks at police officers. He urged people to "leave immediately."
"This is already a very tense situation, and we do not need this to escalate any further," he said, adding that authorities had deployed gas in the crowd multiple times.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the ongoing situation in his city "not sustainable."
"This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in," he said at a news conference Wednesday evening, adding that the presence of roughly 3,000 ICE agents in Minneapolis and statewide was "creating chaos."
"It's certainly not creating safety when a huge percentage of the shootings that have taken place so far this year in Minneapolis have been by ICE," he said. "So let's be very clear. I've seen conduct from ICE that is disgusting and is intolerable."
While Frey praised those protesting peacefully, he warned that others were "taking the bait."
"We cannot counter Donald Trump's chaos with our own brand of chaos," he said.
MINNESOTA ANTI-ICE AGITATORS SWARM, CONFRONT FEDERAL AGENTS DURING ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement early Thursday morning that state investigators were at the scene in North Minneapolis.
"I know you’re angry. I’m angry. What Donald Trump wants is violence in the streets," Walz wrote in a post on X. "But Minnesota will remain an island of decency, of justice, of community, and of peace. Don’t give him what he wants."fo
ICE AGENT STRUCK BY RENEE GOOD'S VEHICLE SUFFERED INTERNAL BLEEDING TO TORSO, DHS SAYS
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reacted to the shooting Wednesday evening, assigning blame to Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
"Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement," he wrote in a post on X. "It’s disgusting. Walz and Frey — I’m focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It’s a promise."
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung slammed Walz on X following the incident.
"Thugs assault a law enforcement officer with a shovel after a traffic stop in Minneapolis of an illegal alien RELEASED BY BIDEN," he stated. "Perhaps they took some inspiration from Loser Tim Walz continually going after officers day in and day out."
The incident comes less than one week after Renee Nicole Good, 37, was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis after she allegedly attempted to run him over with her car.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Mayor Frey and the office of Gov. Walz for comment.
Taxpayer-funded Minnesota charter school shuts down in-person learning amid ICE raids
A taxpayer-funded Minnesota charter school moved classes online this week citing safety concerns, while a community organization advised illegal immigrants to stay home amid reported U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and warned of widespread fear and disruption in the local Myanmar community.
Sejong Academy, a public charter school in St. Paul, announced it would move to online learning for the remainder of the week after citing concerns for the "safety and well-being" of its school community, according to a notice posted on its website.
"Sejong Academy will proceed with online learning for the remainder of this week (January 14 and 15)," the school’s website read. "Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our school community."
The school said students would attend classes remotely Wednesday and Thursday before a previously scheduled day off Friday for staff professional development. The announcement did not specify the nature of the safety concerns prompting the decision.
MINNESOTA SUES TRUMP ADMIN OVER SWEEPING IMMIGRATION RAIDS IN TWIN CITIES
The shift came as Urban Village, a Minnesota-based community organization, released a video and posted statements on Instagram addressing immigration enforcement activity and urging illegal immigrants to remain at home.
In the video, a representative of Urban Village said the organization was communicating urgent information "regarding ICE," while another speaker advised people without a green card or proof of citizenship to stay home and avoid opening their doors to people they do not recognize.
The video also referenced schools offering online learning options for families concerned about sending children to school.
TENNESSEE DEMOCRAT PROPOSES NEW BILL LIMITING ICE FROM SCHOOL CAMPUSES STATEWIDE
In a separate Instagram post, Urban Village said members of Minnesota’s Myanmar diaspora had been detained by ICE and U.S. Border Patrol and transferred to detention centers outside the state.
The organization claimed some detainees were pressured to sign documents waiving legal rights and alleged enforcement actions that may have violated policies or laws, citing information obtained from a public official.
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Urban Village said it was advising noncitizens and non-green card holders to remain home, avoid driving and limit contact amid what it described as heightened enforcement, adding that the guidance had caused parents to miss work, medical appointments to be skipped and children to miss school and activities.
Sejong Academy did not reference immigration enforcement or ICE in its online learning announcement, and it is unclear whether the school coordinated with Urban Village or adjusted operations in response to the organization’s guidance.
According to IRS filings reviewed by ProPublica and verified by Fox News Digital, Sejong Academy reported receiving more than $7 million in government grants, underscoring its status as a publicly funded charter school.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Sejong Academy and Urban Village for comment.
Mike Tomlin’s exit was unexpected as Steelers begin rare coaching search, team president says
Mike Tomlin’s decision to step away after a blowout AFC wild-card loss pushed the Steelers into an uncharacteristic coaching search.
Tomlin did not specify a reason for stepping away in a statement released Tuesday, but he thanked owner Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Dan Rooney for their trust over nearly two decades.
"While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh," Tomlin said in the statement.
Rooney II and Omar Khan will oversee the coaching search. Rooney called Tomlin’s decision unexpected but not surprising.
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"It was his decision, and I will say that I wasn’t shocked, but I wasn’t expecting that conversation yesterday either," Rooney said. "I was certainly willing to take another run at it next year with Mike, and that was what I was expecting to talk about yesterday, but it went in another direction."
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Tomlin has two years left on his Steelers contract, and any team seeking to hire him before 2027 would need to compensate Pittsburgh. Rooney acknowledged the slim prospects of Tomlin coaching later this year and provided additional context on his departure, saying it was centered on his personal life.
"Mike indicated that he did not anticipate coaching in the near future," Rooney said. "I think he wants to spend time with his family and do the things he hasn't been able to do for the last many years. So, if something like that comes up, we'll deal with it when it comes up, but it doesn't seem like something on his radar."
Rooney said he, Khan and other key decision-makers will take an open-minded approach to the rare coaching search.
"I've been involved in a number of searches going back to coach [Bill] Cowher and GM searches," Rooney said as he recalled past coaching search experiences. "I think if I've learned anything about searches it's to have an open mind. We had Mike in for his first interview, certainly wasn't expecting him to be our head coach. I think you go through the process and be diligent and hopefully come out with the right guy."
When asked about the qualities he will look for in candidates, Rooney said leadership is at the top of the list.
"I think there are a lot of things that go into being a successful head coach," Rooney said. "No. 1 in my mind is leadership and trusting this person can step up in front of the team day in and day out and hold their attention and have them motivated to do what they do. That's the most important."
After defeating the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 to clinch the AFC North and the final spot in the NFL playoffs, the Steelers scored just six points in Monday’s loss to the Houston Texans.
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