Listening to complaints from many Pittsburgh Steelers fans, one might assume head coach Mike Tomlin is headed for the exit after the season.
Pro Football Talk‘s Mike Florio said he’s heard exactly the opposite from sources, and that the Steelers are preparing to offer Tomlin an extension.
Florio laid out that scenario in an appearance on NBC’s pregame show Saturday before the Steelers hosted the Cincinnati Bengals.
“A lot of noise on the outside. Inside, it’s business as usual for the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Florio said. “They have no desire whatsoever to make a change at coach and they have no reason to believe that Tomlin wants to go. They’d actually like to extend his contract, which run through the 2024 season, They’d like to get that done before next season begins.
“He’s already involved in roster planning for next year and the year after. From their perspective, nothing has changed.”
From Bengals-Steelers pregame, on Mike Tomlin: pic.twitter.com/WvUZ5bNXlT
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 23, 2023
Florio continued with something of a disclaimer.
“Now, does that stop another team looking for a coach in a couple of weeks from calling the Steelers, and maybe trying to do essentially a trade for Tomlin? ” Florio asked. “That’s not impossible, but from the team’s perspective, they want him back, and they have no reason to think he wants to leave the place where he’s been the head coach since 2007.”
Tomlin’s success (Super Bowl championship, 170 career wins) has been used to defend why the Steelers need to stay the course. Critics point out the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016, and the team’s offense has ranked near the bottom of the league for several years. Chemistry has been an issue, with high-profile players causing problems.
So, many fans are ready to thank Tomlin for his service and show him the door. According to Florio, it’s not happening, and those fans are miffed.
I don't believe the Steelers have ever fired any of their head coaches. Personally I feel like Mike Tomlin could used a break & start brand new with another NFL team. I don't believe the malcontents in that fanbase fully appreciate what they have.
— JAYFORCE (@Jayforce) December 23, 2023
No playoff wins in seven years. 3 in 13. Only four seasons out of 17 with a playoff win. Having six Super Bowls makes you want to strive for playoff wins instead of “non-losing seasons”.
— Ashton Pope (@AshtonPope0) December 23, 2023
Hope they keep Tomlin, he’s horrible. Pitt will continue the slide.
— soylentgreenispeople (@soylentgreenis3) December 23, 2023
Haven’t won a playoff game in 7 years sure extend him
— CJ (@Chrisj23Wv) December 23, 2023
26 head coaches have won a playoff game since Mike Tomlin
26
— PICKETT 2 PICKENS SZN (@Gaige_Rage) December 23, 2023
The Steelers are blind to the reality of this guys ability to lead the team going forward. His success was driven by the great Bill Cower and a HOF QB in his prime.
— Phil Cartularo (@p_cartularo) December 23, 2023
