The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of a beyond disappointing season which has totally gone south in the month of December. The team's performance has left many fans frustrated, and calls for the removal of Head Coach Mike Tomlin have grown increasingly louder.
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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a game against the New England Patriots.
Despite the external noise and fan dissatisfaction, NFL insider Mike Florio, during the Football Night In America show Saturday, revealed that the Steelers have no intention of parting ways with Tomlin. In fact, they are looking to extend his contract, which is set to run through the 2024 season, before the start of the next season.
“A lot of noise on the outside, inside, it’s business as usual for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have no desire to make a change at coach and they have no reason to believe that Tomlin wants to go. They actually would like to extend his contract which runs through the 2024 season. They would like to get that done before next season begins.”
Florio emphasized that, within the organization, there is no indication that Tomlin desires to leave. Furthermore, he stated that Tomlin is actively engaged in planning the team's roster not only for the upcoming year, but also for the 2025 season, a sign that the Steelers are committed to their long-time head coach.
“He’s already involved in roster planning for next year and the year after so from their perspective nothing is changing.”
The fact that Tomlin is actively participating in roster planning for the Steelers beyond the 2024 season is a significant indicator of the team's faith in his leadership. It suggests that Tomlin's future with the Steelers remains secure, and the organization values his contributions to their long-term vision.
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Steelers retired QB Ben Roethlisberger visits his former team and head coach Mike Tomlin at practice just before the 2023 season.
Currently, in his 17th season as head coach, Tomlin has never overseen a losing season during his tenure with the Steelers. While this is an impressive achievement, fans have expressed their frustration with the team's performance of late, particularly since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, and even in the years leading up to his departure.
Steelers Last Playoff Win
Tomlin's last playoff victory dates back to January 15, 2017, when the Steelers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. While many fans may not welcome the news of an extension, it’s essential to note that, as Florio pointed out, nothing is stopping other teams from attempting to shop Tomlin's coaching services.
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The last time the Steelers won a playoff game was a 2017 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
As things stand, it appears that Tomlin's position as head coach of the Steelers is secure for the foreseeable future. The organization's desire to extend his contract and involve him in long-term roster planning reflects their commitment to maintaining continuity and stability within the team.
While the 2025 season may still be a few years away, Tomlin's continued involvement in shaping the Steelers' future suggests that he is an integral part of the organization's plans. Despite external criticism and calls for change, it seems that Tomlin's era in Pittsburgh is set to endure.
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