Steelers make their plans clear regarding Mike Tomlin

Nov 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts before the Steelers play against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After some doubt, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made clear that he has every intention of returning to the team for the final year of his contract in 2024. The organization is leaving little doubt about where Tomlin stands beyond that, too.

Steelers president Art Rooney II told Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the team plans to extend Tomlin’s contract, and the two sides are expected to have little difficulty finding an agreement.

After Mike Tomlin’s press conference, team president Art Rooney II told the Post-Gazette the Steelers “plan to extend Mike’s contract,” as expected.

— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) January 18, 2024

At one point during the season, there was some speculation about whether the struggling Steelers might move on from Tomlin, though those claims were quickly disputed. Speculation then grew that Tomlin might choose to walk away as he enters the final year of his contract. Tomlin himself fueled those rumors, intentionally or not, with his non-answer following Pittsburgh’s playoff exit.

Tomlin has been consistently successful for the Steelers and has not had a losing season since taking over as head coach in 2007. Him staying long-term was always the most likely outcome as long as that was what he wanted.