Mike Tomlin started coaching the Pittsburgh Steelers when he was just 34 years old. After yet another successful season, it sounds like the football coaching icon might be considering taking a break. This news arrives like another haymaker after Bill Belichick and Nick Saban left their respective positions with the New England Patriots and the Alabama Crimson Tide earlier this week.
According to NBC’s Mike Florio, Tomlin will “step back” whenever the Steelers’ 2023 season ends and consider his head-coaching future with his family. The 2024 campaign will be Tomlin’s last on his current contract with the Steelers, opening a potential world of possibilities for one of the finest coaches of the modern era.
Needless to say, Tomlin leaving Pittsburgh for something like a “break” would be a bombshell.
Mike Tomlin needs to have a conversation with his family in the offseason about his future in Pittsburgh. Doesn’t sound like it’s 100% he’s back. pic.twitter.com/ZVirfR7NUg
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) January 13, 2024
Tomlin has manned the Steelers’ sideline for 17 seasons. In that time, he’s led Pittsburgh to 11 postseason berths, seven AFC North titles, two AFC championships, and a victory in Super Bowl 43. He’s also never had a losing campaign. For all intents and purposes, especially with a blueblood organization like the Steelers, Tomlin’s resume is one of the finest in NFL history.
We’ll have to wait and see whether he wants to continue it with the Steelers soon enough. Pittsburgh takes on the Buffalo Bills in a rescheduled Wild Card playoff game this Monday. Suddenly, considering this Tomlin revelation, that game seems extra important to the Steelers’ franchise.