The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a pivotal decision regarding head coach Mike Tomlin as the NFL season progresses. Following this season, Tomlin’s contract will include two remaining years: 2026 and a team option for 2027. The Steelers must determine whether to exercise this option by March 1, 2024. While the team is not considering firing Tomlin, the choice will have significant implications for the coach’s future with the franchise.
As the organization prepares for internal discussions, these meetings will take place after the season concludes, allowing the team to review a complete evaluation of performance. Sources within the league emphasize that there is no expectation of Tomlin’s dismissal, as the Steelers have not fired a head coach since 1941. The decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada in November 2023 marked the franchise’s first in-season coordinator change in over eight decades.
The option in Tomlin’s contract is crucial. If the Steelers choose not to pick it up, he would enter the final year of his contract in the 2024 season, a situation teams typically avoid. This uncertainty could lead to various outcomes, including the possibility of Tomlin’s departure, should both parties decide against a long-term commitment.
Critics of Tomlin have pointed to the team’s struggles, noting that the Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016. Nevertheless, Tomlin boasts an impressive record, achieving no losing seasons in his 18 years with the organization. Currently, with a record of 6-6, Tomlin is on the verge of extending his streak of winning seasons to 19.
Calls from some fans to dismiss Tomlin have ramped up, particularly following recent losses, including one against the Buffalo Bills. However, the Steelers organization is not contemplating such drastic measures. Instead, the focus remains on the upcoming match against the Baltimore Ravens, which is crucial for maintaining their position in the AFC North. This game is particularly significant, as a win would not only help reclaim the top spot in the division but also mark Tomlin’s 190th career regular-season victory, tying him with former Broncos coach Dan Reeves for the tenth-most wins in NFL history.
Historically, contract extensions have been a common practice for the Steelers, with former owner Dan Reeves receiving timely extensions before entering final seasons. The one exception occurred before the 1992 season, which ultimately led to Reeves’ departure after that campaign.
For now, the Steelers are concentrated on the current season and the immediate tasks at hand. Decisions regarding Tomlin’s future will come in due course, but the team remains focused on securing a win against Baltimore and continuing their pursuit of a playoff berth. As the season unfolds, the organization will have to navigate the complexities surrounding Tomlin’s contract and the direction they wish to take moving forward.
