After 17 seasons and with one year left on his current contract, it seems like one of the first moves the Steelers would need to make when the offseason comes is extending Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
They would need to make a move quickly with the team needing a new offensive coordinator.
There hasn’t been much playoff success, the team hasn’t won a postseason game since 2016 and a Super Bowl since 2008.
But, Tomlin has never had a losing season, something that is considered a big deal by the national media and not so much locally.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports there is “some speculation” that Tomlin could step down, and take a year off before coaching somewhere else.
Schefter says Tomlin will not be fired, but “there are some people around the league who believe that Mike Tomlin could decide, eventually, to take some time off like Sean Payton did, maybe take a year off.”
Tomlin is from the Virginia area and the Washington Commanders just fired Head Coach Ron Rivera.
Schefter says Tomlin’s wife is a big fan of Los Angeles and the Chargers also need a coach.
Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, a friend of Tomlin, also floated the idea of Tomlin possibly stepping down.
Last month he talked about a trade involving Tomlin.
“Mike Tomlin is, when you talk to other coaches in this league, he is like the guy, he is grandpapa, he is the one they all look up to and he has done an incredible job over the years, I mean to never have a losing season is absolutely ridiculous,” said Glazer.
So, if the Steelers wanted to trade Tomlin, they’d have no issue doing so.
“I’m telling you, if Mike Tomlin was available, there would be teams lining up, even if he’s not available yet, teams should be calling trying to trade for Mike Tomlin,” added Glazer.
Glazer also mentioned Washington during his comments.
There have also been whispers locally of Tomlin and the Steelers possibly parting ways, but nothing concrete.
With another winning season and playoff appearance, it seems like an extension is inevitable, but don’t be shocked if Tomlin decides he is the one that is done.
No word on how a long or short playoff run would affect his decision, if at all.
Tomlin is only the third coach for the Steelers since 1969.