When you see Mike Tomlin on the sidelines, he’s usually the personification of "steely." Jaw set, arms crossed, delivering those legendary "Tomlinisms" that have defined Pittsburgh football for nearly two decades. But behind that public-facing intensity is a partnership that actually predates his entire NFL career.
Mike Tomlin and wife Kiya Winston aren't your typical "NFL couple" who show up just for the Super Bowl cameras. Honestly, they’ve been grinding together since their college days in the 90s.
While Mike was making a name for himself as a wide receiver at the College of William & Mary, Kiya was a powerhouse in her own right—a star gymnast on a full scholarship. They met in the training room. Both were nursing injuries. It’s kinda poetic, right? Two elite athletes essentially bonding over ice packs and rehab.
They tied the knot in 1996, just two weeks after Kiya graduated. At that point, Mike wasn't a millionaire coach; he was a graduate assistant making almost nothing. They were just two kids trying to figure out how to balance two very different, very demanding dreams.
Why Kiya Winston Walked Away from Medicine
Most people don't know that Kiya was originally on a fast track to becoming a surgeon. She was a pre-med student with the grades and the drive to make it happen.
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But life as a coach’s wife is basically a masterclass in chaos.
As Mike climbed the coaching ladder—moving from Memphis to Arkansas State to Cincinnati—Kiya realized that having two careers with zero flexibility (surgery and football) was a recipe for a family that never saw each other. She didn't just "give up" her career, though. She pivoted.
While they were stationed in Cincinnati, she finally leaned into her lifelong secret weapon: fashion.
She’d been sewing since she was 11. Back then, she was so petite she couldn't find clothes that fit right, so she just started making her own. She eventually enrolled in the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, and Architectural Planning. It wasn't a hobby. It was a complete professional reinvention that allowed her to build an empire while Mike built a legacy.
The Business of Being Kiya Tomlin
If you think she's just "the coach's wife," you haven't been paying attention. Kiya is a legitimate force in the fashion world. She launched her namesake brand, Kiya Tomlin, in 2014.
The concept is actually pretty brilliant. She calls it "re-imagined sweatsuits." Basically, she wanted to create clothes for women who are as busy as she is—pieces that feel like pajamas but look like high-end couture.
What sets her brand apart:
- Local Manufacturing: She doesn't outsource to huge factories overseas. Her designs are manufactured right in her Pittsburgh "Work/Shop" in Etna.
- NFL Licensing: In 2021, she actually secured a license to design apparel for all 32 NFL teams. It’s a rare bridge between the hyper-masculine world of the league and high-end female fashion.
- Inclusivity: Her designs focus on how clothes fit real bodies, not just "measurements."
Mike is her biggest fan. He’s often seen hyping up her fashion shows or posting about her success on Instagram. It’s a mutual respect thing. He handles the locker room; she handles the cutting room.
Raising Three Athletes in the Spotlight
The Tomlins have three kids: Dino (Michael Dean), Mason, and Harlyn Quinn.
You’d think with a dad like Mike, the pressure to play football would be suffocating. But it seems like they’ve managed to keep a weirdly normal home life. Kiya has famously said she doesn't even talk football at home. When Mike walks through the door, he’s just "Dad."
The athletic genes definitely didn't skip a generation, though. Dino played wide receiver at Maryland and Boston College. Mason played at Columbia. And Harlyn? She followed in her mom’s footsteps as a gymnast, competing for the University of Georgia.
They’ve managed to stay remarkably private for a family that has lived in the Pittsburgh spotlight for 19 years. No scandals. No tabloid drama. Just a lot of work.
What Happens Now?
With Mike Tomlin stepping down from the Steelers in early 2026 after nearly two decades, the "power couple" dynamic is shifting again. For the first time in 19 seasons, Mike isn't the face of the Pittsburgh sidelines.
But that doesn't mean they’re slowing down.
Kiya’s business is still headquartered in Etna, and she’s arguably more successful now than ever. Whether Mike takes a break, moves into broadcasting, or eventually takes another coaching gig, the foundation of Mike Tomlin and wife Kiya Winston remains the same: they are partners who found a way to win at two different games simultaneously.
Next Steps for Fans and Supporters:
- Explore the Brand: If you’re interested in seeing the fusion of comfort and style, check out the Kiya Tomlin official site to see how she’s changed the game for women’s game-day apparel.
- Visit the Work/Shop: If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, visit the boutique in Etna to see the manufacturing process in person—it’s one of the few places where you can see fashion being made from scratch in the U.S.
- Watch the Documentary: Look for the HBO documentary State of Play: First Ladies for a rare, deeper look into how Kiya balances the pressures of the NFL with her own entrepreneurial goals.