The Pittsburgh Steelers have had the same leader since 2007 when Mike Tomlin was hired as the head coach of the proud franchise. He has been in charge of a model of consistency that has not seen a losing season throughout his entire tenure. He most recently signed a three-year extension back in 2021 and is under contract through 2024. This off-season would be an ideal time for him to sign another extension, but after a scarcity of playoff wins the last decade or so, it's not a foregone conclusion that he will be here for much longer.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin roams the field at Acrisure Stadium prior to a 2022 preseason game in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
No reports have come out speculating that he is on the hot seat entering the new year and season, but the organization has gone over five years without a playoff victory, and time may be ticking. Team President, Art Rooney III had plenty to speak to the media about on Thursday and 93.7 The Fan broadcasted his interview. Tomlin's contract status came up. While he didn't necessarily hint that Tomlin may not be in the team's future plans, he also didn't come out and say specifically that he will be working with the head coach on a contract extension.
"I don't like to speculate on our coach's contract. So, we'll see," Rooney said.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin stares in the distance at then-Heinz Field in the middle of a pregame warmup in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers' President was clear, however, that he is not worried about missing the playoffs in 2022. Now that the team isn't competing for a Super Bowl Championship, he wants to look forward, not the other way around.
"I don't look too far backward. I gotta look at next year and what we can do to get better next year and that's gotta be our focus."
As many would expect, Rooney and Tomlin have developed a strong relationship over the years so he isn't going to come out and bash the Steelers' leader on the field. He mentioned that one of the things he looks at is how a team progresses over the course of the season and finishing 7-2 over the last nine games certainly doesn't hurt Rooney's opinion of Tomlin.
"I think the number one thing I always want to see in a team, and I think that's it's up to the coach to make this happen, is get better as the season goes. I mean, you should be your best team at the end of the season. And so, I thought we did that."
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett makes a throw during the 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Rooney did take into account that the team had a fresh face, and a rookie to boot, at quarterback in Kenny Pickett and acknowledged that it was a tough situation to deal with.
"Bringing a rookie quarterback along, there's no way to do it right. We wound up with a rookie quarterback who got better as the season went on. And I think we're excited about the future because of that. I think those things are encouraging the way Mike [Tomlin] handled them."
The Rooney family has always been known for their loyalty. Tomlin has been part of the Steelers' franchise for nearly two decades and as long as he wants to be here, it's hard to imagine another extension won't be discussed and agreed to. What are your thoughts on Rooney's comments Thursday? Let us know in the comments below!
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