STEELERS SIGN HC MIKE TOMLIN TO NEW THREE-YEAR EXTENSION RUNNING THROUGH THE 2027 SEASON
Sticking with their tradition of signing their head coach to an extension before their contract runs out, the Pittsburgh Steelers inked head coach Mike Tomlin to a three-year contract extension on Monday.
Tomlin, who is currently the league’s longest-tenured head coach, was entering the final year of his contract and is now tied down for four more seasons. The new pact keeps Tomlin in Pittsburgh through at least the 2027 campaign. The new extension continues what has proven to be a successful relationship between Tomlin and the Steelers as the Super Bowl XLIII winning head coach goes into his 18th season with the six-time Super Bowl champions.
A staple of stability in Pittsburgh, Tomlin is only the third Steelers head coach since the 1969 season, joining Hall of Fame head coaches Chuck Knoll (1969-91) and Bill Cowher (1992-2006).
“Mike Tomlin’s leadership and commitment to the Steelers have been pivotal to our success during his first 17 years as head coach,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II in a statement. “Extending his contract for three more years reflects our confidence in his ability to guide the team back to winning playoff games and championships, while continuing our tradition of success.”
The new extension for Tomlin has been long overdue – an unusual occurrence with the Steelers – which brought about speculation from both fans and the media alike over the past year suggesting that the Rooneys might be considering a change at head coach. According to multiple reports, Steelers brass didn’t entertain a parting of ways with Tomlin and were always going to extend him if he wanted to carry on. Now with less than three months left to the start of the new season, Tomlin’s future in the city is secured.
“I am appreciative for this contract extension and thankful for Art Rooney II for his support during my first 17 years in Pittsburgh,” said Tomlin. “We are continuing to work diligently to get back to where we belong – sustained playoff success with the ultimate goal of winning the franchise’s seventh Lombardi Trophy. I am very excited to get the 2024 season underway and provide our fans with a memorable year.”
The 52-year-old coach is locked up for the next four years and remains one of the highest paid head coaches in the NFL. As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tomlin is now in the same ranks as Chiefs HC Andy Reid, who signed a new extension this offseason, Ravens HC John Harbaugh, who was extended in 2022, and the Broncos’ Sean Payton.
Tomlin has never had a losing season across his 17 years with the Steelers and is one of the most respected coaches in all of pro football. A former defensive coach, the 52 year old is known across the league as a players’ coach.
“Every coach has their own suite above the field to watch practices so they aren’t bothered and most use those,” said Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy. “But Mike is down on the field every day connecting with the players. I told him I appreciated that he and just told me – ‘Jim, why wouldn’t I? I learn something new about these guys every day!’”
Recent Steelers offseason acquisitions, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and Patrick Queen also made a point to mention Mike Tomlin as a reason for why they decided to come to Pittsburgh. Tomlin’s reputation amongst players is revered as the Virginia-born head coach still possesses the charisma and allure that he was famous for a decade ago.
Tomlin’s record with players is also impressive as he’s had an impact on the individual successes of most of his players during his tenure, overseeing nearly 80 selections to the Pro Bowl. At one point the youngest head coach to win the Super Bowl (36), Tomlin has led the Steelers to seven AFC North titles, 11 playoff bids and two Super Bowl appearances – winning his first in 2008.
Tomlin becomes the latest AFC North head coach to sign an extension following Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski who signed a new deal alongside Browns General Manager Andrew Berry last week.
-Maher Abucheri
Twitter: @pabloikonyero
Photo: SteelCityHobbies. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.