Steelers' Next Head Coach Likely Aligns With Art Rooney II's Succession Plan: "His Whole Career Is Basically Mike Tomlin"

The Pittsburgh Steelers were once again one and done in the playoffs to close out the season. Heading into the 2024 campaign, fans were not optimistic. Arguably wasting a first-round draft pick on a quarterback who didn’t pan out in Kenny Pickett, it felt like it set the franchise back. Even the signing of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields wasn’t enough to spark much hope. However, they began winning games, and it looked like they had a real shot, until it all fell apart during the season's final four weeks. 

Pittsburgh was lucky to have secured that playoff berth early, and players were happy to point out that the win-loss counter resets when they enter single elimination games. They just weren’t able to get it done. Every year, when they lose, more fans join the chorus of chants to “Fire Mike Tomlin,” but most local media recognize that is highly unlikely. Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show told the gang at the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show that he sees a possible timeline for moving on from Tomlin, who is currently under contract. 

In June 2024, the franchise signed Tomlin to a three-year contract extension. This makes Tomlin the NFL’s longest-tenured coach, and rumor is that he is the second highest paid, at about $20 million a year, only to Andy Reid. Kaboly thinks Tomlin and current owner Art Rooney II are inextricably linked, but believes that the elder Rooney’s time is drawing to a close. He thinks that might signal a natural break as he hands the reins to his son, Daniel Martin Rooney.     

“I look at it this way too, the guy’s signed through 2027,” explained Kaboly. “That’s $50 million bucks. You know that’s not going to happen. I almost feel like, I mean, I don’t have any inside info here, but Art Rooney’s getting to that age where Danny’s been around a lot where he might be getting ready to slide in there. Maybe the Tomlin/Art Rooney timeline matches up here. Maybe he gets two more years, then all of a sudden, whoop! Because right now, Art has a lot invested in Mike Tomlin. His whole entire career as the owner is basically Mike Tomlin. I don’t know how much a new regime would have that much of a loyalty, it would be a good time to make a break.”

Kaboly thinks that when Art passes the team to Daniel, it will also coincide with many players leaving or already being gone, such as T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. That makes the change make sense, as whenever you turn over your head coach, it brings a lot of change to the team, and fans need to be prepared for a bumpy ride. 

The Rooney family has owned the Steelers since their inception in 1933. Art Rooney Sr., often called “The Chief,” founded the team and ran it until he died in 1988. He passed it along to his oldest son, Dan Rooney, who then passed it to his son, Art, in 2003.

Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Still A Huge Draw

While many fans think it is time for Tomlin to go, there is still a benefit to having him as the head coach, according to Kaboly. He said that regardless of who the head coach of the Steelers is for 2025, the team needs talent, especially on offense. One name that has come up a lot is receiver Tee Higgins. 

Those against Tomlin staying with the Steelers ask why Higgins or any other talented player would want to come to Pittsburgh when they can’t win a postseason game. Kaboly said the reason is Tomlin. He said playing for someone like him is often worth the risk to players looking for the culture only Tomlin builds. 

Do you think Kaboly’s timeline makes sense? Click to comment below. 

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