As speculation swirls over where former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin might land next, WFAN host Craig Carton offered a bold suggestion Wednesday: replace former NFL player and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark with Tomlin.
On The Craig Carton Show via SportsGrid, Carton did not mince words.
“Mike Tomlin could save us from an insufferable race baiter on TV. I would fire Ryan Clark and replace him with Mike Tomlin,” Carton said. He added that such a move would sidestep accusations of racial bias, noting, “Ryan Clark can’t claim racism… He’d have to eat it because you’re replacing him with a black guy.”
Carton, known for his provocative commentary, also reflected on his evolving opinion of Clark. He noted once Clark broke onto the scene, Carton says he made the attempt to network with Clark to get to know the former Steelers safety. However, his opinion of Clark turned quickly due to his approach to content that turned off the WFAN host.
“I thought Ryan Clark was a rising star. Then unfortunately, he made a decision…where he became a race guy,” he said. “Unfortunately, a lot of things that a lot of mistakes are about race, and I can’t stand that black or white. We got to the point where I find him insufferable now.”
Regarding Tomlin, Carton praised the former Steelers coach’s on-field communication skills and personality, though he admitted uncertainty about the precise television role that would suit him.
“I’ve never met Mike Tomlin. I’ve seen the same stuff you’ve seen — postgame press conferences. I think he’s got a great personality… But I’m not sure which role he’d be better at,” Carton said on the many options that could await Tomlin with networks.
Tomlin, who stepped down after 19 seasons with the Steelers, has been linked to multiple networks interested in his servces. Fox reportedly is the frontrunner if he should pivot to broadcasting. Fox’s interest is particularly strong, with Tomlin seen as a natural fit for FOX NFL Sunday. The network’s flagship studio show currently features Michael Strahan, Rob Gronkowski, Howie Long, and Terry Bradshaw.
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