Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts in the in the second half against the Buffalo Bills in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills
PITTSBURGH — Following the Steelers loss in the wild-card round, there was plenty of uncertainty surrounding Mike Tomlin’s future.
In fact, speculation ran wild after Tomlin stormed off the podium just moments after the team’s 31 to 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills. A reporter had just asked about his future with the team, and before she could finish her question – the 51-year-old head coach bolted.
But on Tuesday the speculation was quickly put to bed.
The Steelers coach informed the team he will return for an 18th season in Pittsburgh, according to ESPN.
Tomlin is under contract for 2024, but there was speculation the team would go in a different direction after an up-and-down season was capped off with an ugly playoff loss. The Steelers have failed to win a playoff game since 2017.
Still, Tomlin is yet to finish below .500 in 17 years on the job. And he’s arguably implemented an irreplaceable culture, so his firing never seemed logical.
“I love Coach T, everything he’s done to motivate this team and put us in a position to be successful. There’s no doubt in my mind he’s the guy for the job,” cornerback Patrick Peterson said.
“I feel like Mike T’s going to be back,” defensive end Cameron Heyward said. “We put so much into it, he put so much into it, and I just think every player in there wouldn’t be anything without Mike T. This group would not function to even get to a playoff berth without Mike T. He keeps us accountable from top to bottom, and I don’t want to play for any other coach.”
Despite an 181-110-2 career record, Tomlin’s biggest problem remains his team’s subpar quarterback play, ever since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. He’s been saddled with three glorified clipboard holders in Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph – and the trio predictably held back the entire franchise.
With the Steelers in “no man’s land” in the 2024 NFL Draft Tomlin (pick 20) – look for the team to either make a trade or address the quarterback position in free agency.
Regardless, Tomlin’s return is terrific news for the Steelers faithful.
