Dino Tomlin, the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, sparked social media controversy on Monday. It came after a series of explicit comments directed at Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin.

The controversy began when Dino, a wide receiver who played for Maryland and Boston College, responded to online critics who said his football opportunities were due to his father’s influence.

“If I was coaching, I be just like Lane Kiffin: I’d be lying to players, I’d be f**king coeds, I’d be f**king all,” Dino said.

Dino’s comments referenced the controversies that have followed Kiffin throughout his career at Tennessee, USC and Alabama. Kiffin, now leading LSU after his controversial exit from Ole Miss in November, has since faced criticism over recruiting tactics and locker room dynamics. However, no sexual misconduct allegations against him have been proven.

Dino seems frustrated by the nepotism label often attached to the children of high-profile coaches. He revealed that he wants to carve his path rather than rely on his father’s influence despite being around football his entire life,

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Dino Tomlin’s football career

Dino Tomlin had a multiyear career in the Power Five before transitioning away from the field. He was a three-star recruit out of Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, where he was also a state champion hurdler. He chose the Maryland Tearrapins over several other offers, including his father’s rival, the Pittsburgh Panthers.

Tomlin struggled to find consistent playing time in a crowded Terrapins receiver room. He appeared in 14 games in three seasons, primarily as a special teams contributor, recording three receptions.

Seeking more offensive opportunities, Tomlin transferred to Boston College. His breakout came in 2023, when he played in all 13 games and finished third on the team with 24 receptions for 312 yards. The wideout’s production dipped to three catches for 40 yards in his final season in 2024.

He participated in the 2025 Boston College Pro Day and recorded a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical leap. However, he went undrafted in the 2025 NFL draft.

Tomlin received a rookie minicamp invitation from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in May, but he did not secure a spot on the final 53-man roster.