Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 31-25 preseason victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media in what turned out to be one of the shortest and easiest press conferences of his career.
Tomlin, as is customary after games, began with his opening statement, reflecting positively on the team’s performance. He highlighted that the game provided a variety of situations for player evaluation, particularly a two-minute drive before halftime, and praised his players for keeping pre-snap penalties to a minimum.
Disciplined Steelers Performance Met with Rare Silence in Postgame Press Conference
Tomlin noted that the Steelers “played a pretty clean game for our first time out” and emphasized that the preseason was about giving as many players as possible an opportunity to showcase their abilities. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s discipline and execution, underscoring the importance of avoiding self-inflicted mistakes at this early stage in the season.
Mike Tomlin (NFL)
After his remarks, Tomlin opened the floor to questions. However, to his surprise, none of the media members present had anything to ask. A Steelers media relations staffer even prompted the room, but the silence persisted. Tomlin then wrapped up the conference with a brief “Thank you” before walking out, marking one of the rare occasions when he faced no follow-up queries.
Quiet Press Conference Signals Calm Before Steelers’ Rodgers-Led Season Intensifies
The unusual quiet in the press room suggested that the journalists, much like the players, might still be in “preseason mode” themselves. The lack of pressing topics or controversies allowed the evening’s media duties to pass without the usual scrutiny or probing questions Tomlin is accustomed to during the regular season.
While the press conference may have been unusually smooth, the upcoming regular season is set to bring much more attention and questions Tomlin’s way. The Steelers will be entering a new era with former Packers and Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer, now leading the team. As expectations rise and the stakes increase, Tomlin can expect far more lively and challenging media sessions in the weeks ahead.
Mike Tomlin Drove George Pickens Trade as Steelers Prioritize Culture Over Talent
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reportedly played a key role in orchestrating the trade that sent wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Despite expectations that the decision might have come from ownership or general management, insider Mark Kaboly revealed that Tomlin was at the forefront.
Appearing on 93.7 The Fan, Kaboly emphasized that Tomlin initiated the move, with support from general manager Omar Khan. This proactive stance signaled the team’s readiness to part ways with Pickens after a rocky tenure.
Behavioral Issues and Immaturity Derailed Pickens’ Promise Despite His On-Field Talent
While George Pickens displayed undeniable talent on the field, his behavioral issues frequently undermined his value to the team. A particularly telling moment came in December when Tomlin publicly called for Pickens to “grow up” following multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Just a week earlier, he had been involved in an altercation with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II, further straining his reputation. These repeated infractions likely contributed to the decision to trade him.
Mike Tomlin Drove George Pickens Trade as Steelers Prioritize Culture Over Talent
Pickens’ disciplinary record extended beyond on-field altercations. He was fined after a game against the Cowboys for wearing eye black with an explicit message and for a face mask penalty at the end of the same game.
His history of questionable conduct dated back to his rookie season, including a notable ejection in 2022 for a late hit on Tyler Boyd. These incidents raised concerns about his maturity and reliability, which likely weighed heavily in Tomlin’s and the organization’s decision to move on.
Fresh Start in Dallas Offers Pickens New Role, Steelers Embrace Cultural Reset
Now with the Dallas Cowboys, Pickens has a chance to reset his narrative and focus on production. He finished last season with 900 receiving yards and three touchdowns—solid numbers that could improve in a new system.
Playing alongside star receiver CeeDee Lamb could benefit Pickens, as defenses will likely focus more on Lamb, giving Pickens opportunities against single coverage. The Cowboys will hope they can harness his potential while minimizing the behavioral distractions.
With Pickens gone, the Steelers are reshaping their receiving corps, notably adding DK Metcalf. This move signals a shift in approach under Tomlin’s leadership—prioritizing discipline, consistency, and team culture. The decision to trade Pickens despite his talent underscores the importance Tomlin places on accountability and team cohesion. His hands-on involvement in the trade reflects a long-term vision for a more stable and focused roster.
Mike Tomlin Extends Historic Streak, Cements Legacy as One of NFL’s Most Consistent Coaches
Just days after Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed he plans to stay in Pittsburgh, his name is still getting attention from other teams. According to a source, both the Chicago Bears and at least one other team reached out to the Steelers to inquire about the possibility of trading for Tomlin.
However, the Steelers have turned down these requests, informing teams that Tomlin’s contract includes a no-trade clause, as first reported by ESPN.
The interest from other teams comes only a few days after Tomlin told potential suitors to “save your time.” Tomlin, who signed a three-year contract extension last year to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid coaches, has been leading Pittsburgh since 2007.
The Steelers are known for being patient with their coaching staff, having had only three head coaches since 1969. Despite the Steelers’ fifth consecutive first-round playoff exit, the team has no interest in moving on from Tomlin.
The Bears have been speeding up their coaching search in recent days, even conducting an in-person interview with former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on Wednesday. They also interviewed Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Wednesday, marking their 11th interview.
Bears show they’re serious
At least the Bears tried. Reaching out to the Steelers about Tomlin’s availability is part of the Bears’ broad coaching search. However, Pittsburgh’s response was clear — they’re not letting Tomlin go. That said, it’s good that the Bears made the attempt. This shows they’re serious about finding the right coach, especially under president/CEO Kevin Warren and general manager Ryan Poles.
That said, the Bears are still looking for their sixth head coach since 2012. Tomlin’s coaching record isn’t much better than Mike McCarthy’s, and McCarthy could play a significant role in developing quarterback Caleb Williams. Under Tomlin, the Steelers have had four offensive coordinators since 2018, and life after Ben Roethlisberger has been difficult.
The Steelers’ search for their next quarterback continues, with neither Kenny Pickett, the 20th overall pick in 2022, nor Russell Wilson helping to solve their issues this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers players celebrates after a touchdown in the 2nd half
If or when Tomlin leaves, it will be on his terms
Every year after the Steelers lose in the first round of the playoffs, rumors swirl about whether Tomlin might be on the move. However, it seems both Tomlin and the Steelers are committed to staying together for the long term.
The Steelers are known for their patience, valuing consistency more than any other team in the NFL. Remember, after a humiliating playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills last season, the organization gave Tomlin a three-year contract extension and a raise. After seven years without a playoff win, they showed confidence in him, so it seems unlikely they would part ways now.
Even though Tomlin’s popularity has dipped and he is nearing a decade without a postseason victory, his job security remains strong. Tomlin’s no-trade clause and his public comments show that he’s dedicated to Pittsburgh and believes he can lead the team to success.
Taking big swings makes sense
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has said the team will look at all possibilities to find the best coach for the job. As shown by the wide range of candidates they’ve interviewed, the Bears aren’t ruling out any options. Kevin Warren, the Bears’ president, has praised the team’s appeal, from the fans to the history to the available salary-cap space and the young quarterback in Caleb Williams. If he believes this is a prime coaching opportunity, he should make bold moves.
The key question is, who else did the Bears contact? This isn’t just about whether Tomlin would be a good fit — he’d definitely be the best coach the Bears have had since Mike Ditka, and McCarthy and Pete Carroll, who have also interviewed, would be solid choices as well. Regardless, it shows that the Bears are serious about improving.
Though a trade for Tomlin is highly unlikely, it’s encouraging to see that the Bears are willing to be aggressive. One thing to watch for, though, is if their broad search causes them to lose a good candidate because they’re taking too long to make a decision. While it’s not a concern yet, the clock could start ticking once in-person interviews ramp up next week.
Steelers quickly reject Bears’ attempt to speak with Tomlin (Credit: Chicago Bears)
The Chicago Bears were reportedly exploring an ambitious move to acquire a high-profile head coach.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team contacted the Pittsburgh Steelers to inquire about speaking with and potentially trading for Mike Tomlin, their long-standing head coach.
Bears left empty-handed in pursuit of coaching greatness (Credit: Chicago Bears)
Steelers Reject Bears’ Request
The Steelers promptly rejected the Bears’ request, and the discussions never reached Tomlin, Schefter reported. This wasn’t an isolated instance, as another NFL team also made a similar approach and was turned away.
Schefter noted that Tomlin’s contract includes a no-trade clause, further solidifying his position in Pittsburgh.
At 52 years old, Tomlin is the NFL’s longest-tenured coach, having just wrapped up his 18th season with the Steelers.
His career record of 183-107-2 is highlighted by consistent winning seasons and a Super Bowl victory during the 2008 campaign. However, postseason success has eluded the Steelers in recent years, with their last playoff win occurring in 2016.
This season, the team finished 10-7 before being eliminated by the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round with a 28-14 loss. When asked about the possibility of teams pursuing him, Tomlin told reporters, “Save your time.”
Bears’ Search for a New Head Coach
After dismissing Matt Eberflus following their Thanksgiving Day loss to the Lions, the Bears began their search for a new head coach.
The firing capped a tumultuous season and set off a wide-ranging hunt for a replacement. So far, the Bears have conducted over a dozen interviews, including one with interim head coach Thomas Brown.
Schefter also reported that the Bears have interviewed several prominent candidates, such as former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, Lions coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Other known interviews include Mike McCarthy, Todd Monken, Ron Rivera, David Shaw, Mike Vrabel, and Anthony Weaver. They have also requested to meet with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Despite these efforts, Tomlin remains off-limits, ensuring the Steelers’ rare stability in the head coaching role continues. Since 1969, Pittsburgh has employed just three head coaches—Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin.
The Bears have cycled through five head coaches since Tomlin’s tenure began in 2007, with the search ongoing for their next leader.
The Bears recently contacted the Steelers to inquire about the possibility of speaking with and potentially trading for longtime head coach Mike Tomlin. However, Pittsburgh rejected their request, according to league sources.
The discussions never reached Tomlin, and it’s unlikely they would have been successful even if they had. When asked about a team’s interest in his availability, Tomlin responded earlier this week: “Save your time.”
At least one other team, besides the Bears, also looked into trading for Tomlin but quickly learned that he has a no-trade clause in his contract. This information led the other team to stop their pursuit and move on.
Even though other teams have shown interest in Tomlin, the Steelers have no intention of parting ways with him, despite Pittsburgh’s fifth straight one-and-done playoff appearance.
Tomlin signed a three-year contract extension last offseason, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL. After 18 seasons in Pittsburgh, he shows no signs of leaving, even with some frustration from the fan base.
“I understand the nature of what it is that we do, the attention and criticism that comes with it,” Tomlin said during his season-ending press conference. “As a matter of fact, I embrace it, to be quite honest with you. I enjoy the urgency that comes with what I do and what we do.”
“I don’t make excuses for failure. I own it, but I also feel like I’m capable and so as long as I’m afforded an opportunity to do that, I will continue. But I certainly understand their frustrations, and probably more important than that, I share it because that’s how I’m wired.”
Chicago Bears players celebrate after scoring
Despite the rejection, some sources believe the Bears deserve credit for reaching out. They recognized Tomlin’s leadership and coaching skills and, in their search for the best candidate, decided to inquire with the Steelers.
Even without Tomlin as an option, the Bears have cast a wide net in their head coaching search.
So far, the Bears have interviewed a long list of candidates, including interim head coach Thomas Brown, former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, former Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, former Stanford head coach David Shaw, former Titans and current Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, and Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
The Bears have also requested interviews with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, and Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich.
The Steelers have only had three head coaches since 1969: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Tomlin, who will turn 53 in March. Tomlin has never had a losing season with the Steelers and is the second-winningest coach in franchise history, behind only Noll, with a career record of 183-107-2.
Mike Tomlin has a clear message for any team thinking about asking the Steelers about a possible trade for him.
“Save your time,” the head coach said during his season-ending press conference on Tuesday.
After the Steelers’ fifth consecutive playoff appearance that ended with a quick exit, there has been much debate about Tomlin’s future with the team. Tomlin, who signed a three-year extension last offseason and just completed his 18th season as head coach, understands the frustration of the fans.
“I understand the nature of what it is that we do, the attention and criticism that comes with it,” he said. “As a matter of fact, I embrace it, to be quite honest with you. I enjoy the urgency that comes with what I do and what we do.”
“I don’t make excuses for failure. I own it, but I also feel like I’m capable and so as long as I’m afforded an opportunity to do that, I will continue, but I certainly understand their frustrations and probably more importantly than that, I share it because that’s how I’m wired.”
Tomlin expressed his disappointment with how the season ended but admitted that the five-game losing streak to finish the season, including a 28-14 wild-card loss to the Ravens, was “football justice.”
“I don’t view it as misfortune, to be quite honest with you,” Tomlin said. “Particularly at this level in this business and game, there’s football justice. You get what you deserve, and so we are here and we’re here for really tangible reasons.
We didn’t involve in the right ways. We didn’t strike the right chords at the right time, particularly down the stretch.”
Pittsburgh Steelers players celebrate after kicking a field goal
Tomlin said there would be “changes” within the organization, but he didn’t go into specifics, saying the postseason review process was just beginning. He had met with the players as a group on Monday and started individual exit meetings. He also spoke with owner Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan.
“Certainly, there’s change that comes when we don’t have the desired outcome, and so those are just the realities of the business,” Tomlin said. “I would imagine there’s going to be some things that change around here on a lot of levels, but that’s this game as I’ve mentioned, and so I understand that.
I’m open to that really just beginning the processes of some of the decision-making that has to transpire.”
One possible change is in the quarterback position. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are on expiring contracts, and the team signed quarterback Skylar Thompson on Tuesday afternoon, according to Thompson’s agency.
Thompson, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft, played in 10 games with three starts over two seasons for Miami, recording one touchdown and three interceptions.
Wilson said Monday that “the plan” is to be in Pittsburgh in 2025, but he admitted he hasn’t yet met with the Steelers to discuss it.
Tomlin said he believes both Wilson and Fields can help the Steelers move forward and reach their goals.
“Just their professionalism, approach to business, their relationship with the game was an encouragement in that regard,” Tomlin said when explaining his belief.
Sean Payton shake hands with Mike Tomlin after the game
Tomlin also expressed confidence in Fields, who went 4-2 as a starter to begin the season, saying he could be a full-time starter if Wilson leaves in free agency.
“I thought that the way that he managed his professional circumstance was really impressive,” Tomlin said. “I thought he brought an urgency to his day-to-day work regardless of his role. I thought he got continually better within our system of ball throughout the process. I thought the way he conducted himself makes that a legitimate thought or idea at this juncture.”
Even though Tomlin doesn’t think the organization is stuck, despite the six playoff losses in eight years, he was not quick to offer hope for the future.
“I’m certainly disappointed that I’m not working to prepare to play this week,” he said. “And I’ve certainly felt that in recent years, but stuck is kind of a helpless feeling, and I don’t know that I feel helpless.”
He added: “I don’t know that I’m ready to be overly optimistic or sell optimism to you either. I’m just acknowledging what transpired and what has to happen and what is beginning to happen and acknowledging the complexity and the amount of work that’s ahead of us.
Certainly feel capable, but definitely don’t feel in the mood for optimism or the selling of optimism. I don’t know that that’s appropriate. It is disappointing not to be working and so that’s where we are.”
Mike Tomlin Extends Historic Streak, Cements Legacy as One of NFL’s Most Consistent Coaches
A lot can change in five weeks. After winning against the Bengals and Browns in early December, the Steelers were 10-3. ESPN’s Football Power Index gave them nearly an 80% chance to win the AFC North, which would have earned them a home playoff game for the first time since 2017 (their most recent home playoff game was during the pandemic in 2020). At 10-3, Mike Tomlin was considered a strong candidate for Coach of the Year.
However, five weeks later, the conversation has shifted to whether Tomlin can take this version of the Steelers any further. They lost their last five games, including a tough 28-14 loss on Saturday. This defeat marked Tomlin’s sixth straight playoff loss, with the average margin of defeat being almost 14 points per game. In the last eight seasons, 18 teams have won a playoff game.
Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game in eight years, which is the longest streak since 1971. It seems like the Steelers are stuck in a kind of football limbo. Tomlin is good enough to keep them competitive with a .500 or better record each season, but he hasn’t been able to push them further for nearly a decade.
Fans often feel he overachieved with a team that might not have been playoff-caliber, but after the playoff losses, they feel he underachieved with a team that has been expected to make it further.
So, is Tomlin overachieving or underachieving? I would argue he’s overachieving. He has made this roster better. The Steelers have had star defenders like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward under his coaching, but Tomlin’s influence can be seen in players who performed better in Pittsburgh than they did on their previous teams.
For example, Minkah Fitzpatrick was benched by the Dolphins as a cornerback, but Tomlin moved him to free safety, where he became a Pro Bowler. Quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Justin Fields also performed better in Pittsburgh than they did elsewhere in 2024.
Many players who were let go by their former teams, such as wide receiver Mike Williams and cornerback Donte Jackson, played important roles for the Steelers this season. On the other hand, many players who left Pittsburgh over the last five years haven’t thrived elsewhere.
Bud Dupree, Alejandro Villanueva, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Cameron Sutton didn’t make the same impact elsewhere. Similarly, running back Le’Veon Bell and offensive lineman Chris Hubbard struggled to succeed on new teams, with James Conner being the main exception. It seems that Tomlin gets more out of players than their new teams do.
Pittsburgh Steelers players celebrate after a touchdown in 2nd half
Could Tomlin be overworking an older team, leading to struggles later in the season? Maybe. Since the playoff drought began in 2017, the Steelers have been great in the early months of the season, with a record of 56-29-2 in September, October, and November.
But that drops to 24-21 in December and January. When you add in the playoff losses, they are a sub-.500 team after December 1st. This could be due to a tougher schedule in the final months, but their performance against playoff teams was about the same early and late in the season.
The defense has also stopped forcing turnovers late in the season. They forced 28 turnovers through the first 13 games but only five in their five losses. The tougher competition at the end of the season also played a role. The teams they played in the final month had an average of 12.4 wins, while the teams they beat earlier in the season averaged only 7.3 wins.
The Steelers have often outperformed their point differential, winning many close games. But their quarterback play has not been elite, which is one of the reasons they haven’t been able to win in the playoffs.
Over the past five years, they’ve ranked near the bottom in QBR among playoff teams. Their playoff losses have been significant, making Tomlin’s job harder to defend. But given their recent playoff appearances, it’s unclear what could have been expected from them.
While Tomlin takes responsibility for the team’s quarterback play, the Steelers’ offensive coordinators also deserve blame. Tomlin hires those coordinators, and the offense has been poor, ranking 25th in EPA per play in the regular season, the same as last year and down from 18th in 2022.
For years, the complaint about the Steelers has been that they don’t run the ball enough, which was true during their glory years under Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher. However, watching the Ravens run the ball successfully in their playoff win over Pittsburgh, with nearly 300 rushing yards, highlighted the Steelers’ struggles.
One big difference between the Ravens and the Steelers is that Baltimore was proactive in drafting its future quarterback. In 2018, the Ravens traded up to draft Lamar Jackson, even though Joe Flacco was still under contract. The Steelers, on the other hand, waited too long to address their quarterback situation after Ben Roethlisberger’s career ended.
The Steelers drafted quarterbacks Joshua Dobbs and Mason Rudolph in the mid-rounds, but quarterbacks from those rounds rarely become starters. When Roethlisberger got injured in 2019, the Steelers traded for Minkah Fitzpatrick, but that move closed their best path to a new quarterback.
The Steelers then used a first-round pick on Kenny Pickett in 2022, but he was traded to the Eagles after 24 starts. Recent moves for quarterbacks like Mitchell Trubisky, Fields, and Wilson haven’t had the same impact as moves made by other teams.
The Steelers will not improve until they fix the quarterback position, but their failure to address it seriously five years ago has left them stuck. Tomlin plays a part in that process, but the Steelers have historically been great at drafting players. However, their first-round picks haven’t been successful lately.
After picking T.J. Watt in 2017, they went five years without drafting a difference-maker in Round 1. Right tackle Broderick Jones, their 2023 first-round pick, hasn’t been great, and 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu missed most of his rookie season with an injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers players celebrate after a touchdown in the 1st half
The Steelers have been more aggressive in free agency because their drafts haven’t been successful. When they last won a postseason game in 2016, most of their starters were drafted by or started their careers with the Steelers, but that number has since dropped.
The Steelers need to figure out what kind of team they want to be and whether their current roster-building strategy will get them there. They may feel they are just a quarterback away from a deep playoff run, but they should have addressed the quarterback situation years ago.
Their recent moves have felt like quick fixes. The team must decide whether they want a major change or a small adjustment. One change that could make a difference is improving their approach to fourth-down decision-making, as they ranked 28th in going for it on fourth down this season.
If they get the right quarterback, they might be able to win that extra game and host a playoff game, which could break the playoff drought. In terms of big changes, however, the Steelers don’t have many options. General manager Omar Khan was only installed in 2022, and the Steelers don’t make sudden changes in key roles.
Pittsburgh isn’t looking to trade away stars like T.J. Watt or Minkah Fitzpatrick, and veteran players like Cameron Heyward are getting older. Even if they wanted to focus more on the draft, that would take years to play out. The only major change that could happen is a coaching change.
Tomlin likely has trade value, but with his new deal signed in June, it’s unclear what he could gain from such a move. It’s likely the Steelers will bring the team back for another season without major changes. There’s nothing wrong with being a competitive 10-win team, but fans expect more after five decades of success. If Tomlin leaves, fans might regret the decision.
Pittsburgh Steelers players celebrate after a touchdown in the 1st half
In the past three seasons, Mike Tomlin and his Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to Baltimore in the final week, defeated the Ravens, and secured a spot in the playoffs.
This year, the Steelers clinched a playoff berth earlier, but their game against the Ravens this weekend is still important. A win would give Pittsburgh the AFC North title.
“It’s a road divisional game. It’s Baltimore. And I understand the nature of this rivalry and the amount of attention that it brings, and it’s exciting and humbling to be a part of it,” Tomlin said. “We’ve got an opportunity to pursue a division championship this week, and so, man, we’re excited.”
The Steelers have been successful in recent meetings with Baltimore, winning eight of their last nine matchups. However, this success hasn’t translated to many division titles, with the last one coming in 2020. Even though the rivalry is intense, late-season matchups haven’t always been high stakes. This game on Saturday could be different.
Last season, Baltimore had already secured the top playoff spot and rested Lamar Jackson in their Week 18 loss to the Steelers. In 2021, Jackson was injured, and although both teams still had playoff hopes, the Ravens’ chances were slim. Pittsburgh won that game and kept their playoff hopes alive.
Sean Payton shake hands with Mike Tomlin after the game
In 2019, the Steelers faced Baltimore in the final game with a chance to make the playoffs, but despite Jackson being rested, the Ravens won and ended the Steelers’ season.
This season, Pittsburgh (10-4) and Baltimore (9-5) are meeting earlier in the schedule. Although the stakes aren’t as high as a win-or-go-home scenario, this game still has plenty of importance. Since it’s not the final week, there’s less chance that either team will rest players.
For Lamar Jackson, this will be his first home game against the Steelers since 2020, and a chance to improve his 1-4 record against them as a starter. For Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson, it’s a chance to add a division title with the Steelers to the NFC West championships he won with Seattle.
“We’ve got to be able to calm the nerves early and the excitement and be able to, you know, play and think clearly and efficiently and effectively but yet play with an edge,” Wilson said.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will make a decision regarding his future with the team as he enters the final year of his contract, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
ProFootballTalk @ProFootballTalk
Could another big-name head coach be on the move? Mike Tomlin will make a decision about his future after the season.
Could another big-name head coach be on the move? Mike Tomlin will make a decision about his future after the season. More here: pic.twitter.com/kntpSjgjv8
“I’m told he’s going to step back after the season ends, make a decision about his future with his family,” Florio said. “He loves the team, he loves the young players that they have there, but after the season, he’ll huddle with his family and make a decision about his future with the Steelers.”
Pittsburgh is set to face off against the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round on Monday.
Tomlin has established himself as one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history, owning a career record of 173-100-2 in the regular season while helping lead Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl victory in the 2008 season. The Steelers have never owned a losing record in any of his 17 years with the team.
If he chooses to leave Pittsburgh, it would likely be a one-sided decision. The Steelers are reportedly intending to offer Tomlin a contract extension before the start of the 2024 season, per Florio.
In an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that he could leave the franchise on his own terms.
“I don’t know what Mike Tomlin is gonna do, but I can tell you there are people out there in the league who say that that’s potentially an option,” Schefter said. “That after the season, maybe he could walk away.”
After losing starting quarterback Kenny Pickett to an ankle injury and dropping to 7-7 through Week 15, many suspected that Tomlin’s first losing year would be in store. Instead, backup signal-caller Mason Rudolph stepped up admirably and led the Steelers to three consecutive wins to close out the regular season.
If Pittsburgh is unable to overcome Buffalo in Highmark Stadium, the questions surrounding Tomlin’s desire to remain with the team will continue to grow louder.
Kansas City Chiefs standout Travis Kelce expressed strong opinions about the Pittsburgh media during the latest episode of his “New Heights” podcast with his elder brother, Jason Kelce, who plays as the center for the Philadelphia Eagles. The conversation revolved around the remarkable achievement of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who is on the verge of completing his 17th consecutive non-losing season, regardless of the outcome of the Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
Despite the Steelers facing challenges throughout the season and holding a 9-7 record, some members of the Pittsburgh media had advocated for parting ways with Tomlin, either through a mid-season dismissal or a potential trade for assets. Travis strongly criticized such suggestions, labeling the media’s discussions as baseless and unintelligent.
Travis Kelce Slams Pittsburgh Media as ‘Jacka–es’ Over Mike Tomlin Criticism (Credits: Fansided)
“They were talking about firing him, what, seven weeks ago?” Jason inquired, prompting Travis to respond sharply, “The media’s so dumb. Why do we do the media? Bunch of Jacka–es. They are just a bunch of jacka–es. I’m just out here talking f—ing nonsense. He is one of the best coaches the NFL’s ever even seen, about to possibly get his 17th consecutive non-losing season. Jesus Christ.”
The brothers delved into reminiscing about their own lives 17 years ago, with Jason already playing college football at Cincinnati and Travis recalling his driver’s license suspension in Ohio. This comparison aimed to underscore the longevity of Tomlin’s successful tenure as the head coach of the Steelers since 2007.
Tomlin boasts an impressive career record of 172-100-2 in the regular season, amounting to a .639 winning percentage. Despite the challenges faced by the Steelers this season, including the midseason firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, they have navigated the tough AFC North division and have a chance at a playoff berth. A win over the AFC’s top-seeded Ravens could secure their spot in the postseason.
Travis and Jason acknowledged that, while their own teams are not in contention for playoff berths, they might find themselves cheering for Tomlin and the Steelers to succeed in reaching the postseason, potentially making skeptics in the media reconsider their earlier criticisms.
Coach Mike Tomlin didn’t delve into the details surrounding wide receiver Diontae Johnson’s response to Jaylen Warren’s fumble during the Steelers’ triumph over the Bengals. However, Tomlin acknowledged that Johnson, in his fifth year, must enhance his emotional control on the field.
“We need to take care of the ball,” stated Tomlin in his weekly press conference on Tuesday. “It’s crucial for our success, and Jaylen has to improve in that area. Diontae must not let the emotions from the previous play impact the next one, but I’ll let him address that with you and his teammates. I won’t add more commentary; plays like that are best explained by those directly involved.”
Mike Tomlin (Credits: Pittsburg Post-Gazette)
Johnson explained his actions after the game, stating, “I just didn’t see it. I was focused on my role at that time, whether it was blocking or something else.”
Prior to Warren’s fumble, Johnson’s potential touchdown was nullified when he couldn’t secure a contested catch in bounds despite taking three steps in the end zone. Tomlin, without reviewing a replay, chose not to challenge the ruling.
“The officials’ initial ruling was definitive, and I lost sight of it,” Tomlin said about the end zone incompletion. “There were people between me and him, and I couldn’t count steps. We didn’t get another look at it in-stadium, and we didn’t get a quick enough look from the top. Sometimes, that happens on the road, but things balance out in the grand scheme, whether at home or away.”
Warren’s subsequent fumble thwarted the Steelers’ first red zone trip against the Bengals. Overall, the team made four red zone visits but scored only one touchdown, ranking 28th in red zone conversion at 44%.
Despite amassing over 400 offensive yards against the Bengals, the Steelers struggled to convert them into points, scoring below their season average with 16 points. A week earlier, Tomlin had emphasized the need for more touchdowns when parting ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
“I just want to see points,” Tomlin asserted. “I want to engineer victory more smoothly, and points accomplish that.”
The 16-10 victory marked the Steelers’ seventh one-score win of the season, with eight games decided by seven or fewer points. However, Tomlin played down the low points output on Tuesday, offering a concise response when asked about turning yards into points.
“More of the same, more work, more execution,” he stated. “We have a week to address it, and I’m eager to get the group in tomorrow and work on it.”
