Teams Targeting Steelers' Mike Tomlin Now On "Back Channels" Finding Out If Tomlin's Interested And Price To Pay Steelers

All was well and good (sort of) for the Pittsburgh Steelers when the organization started the season with a record of 7-4. Staring at their easiest stretch of games of the season in early December, fans weren't just optimistic about a playoff berth, but maybe even a division title. Those hopes have quickly fizzled after three straight losses. The locker room seems to be in disarray and a main reason for that is George Pickens. At the end of the day, the leader is Mike Tomlin and it's a legitimate possibility that his message has finally run stale for the franchise.

The final three games of the regular season could be the determining factor in the decision-making process when it comes to 2024. Tomlin was not extended after the 2022 season and only has one year remaining on his contract. It's more than just Art Rooney II deciding it's time for change, however. He might not have the chance to make the call if Tomlin decides he's ready to move on.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is very involved with the Steelers. He's not consistently in the building, but often appears on 93.7 The Fan and has a plethora of football knowledge. He believes that there are a few options when it comes to this specific situation, but in a recent column, clearly stated that all parties involved should be ending the relationship. He believes that the head coach may have already decided that he no longer wants to be in Pittsburgh.

"It will depend on what happens over the next three weekends. Unless Tomlin has already decided that, no matter how the rest of the season goes, it’s time for a change," Florio wrote.

There are multiple options on the table. While he is still under contract, the Steelers could more than likely land a first-round pick for Tomlin. The head coach could also decide that he wants to step away from the game and worry about this in a few years. On top of that, if Rooney is unsure of the best course of action, Tomlin could be retained for 2024 without an extension, and become a coaching free agent in 2025.

Florio also mentioned that owners around the league are already keeping their ears to the ground when it comes to Tomlin. There are two key pieces to the puzzle that potential trade partners need to figure out.

"As a practical matter, the owners of the teams that could be changing coaches are likely already working the back channels to find out: (1) whether Tomlin would want the job; and (2) whether the Steelers would part ways with him."

Losing is never fun. If Pittsburgh pulls off a miracle, wins its final three games and ends up in the playoffs, most of this talk will likely go away and Tomlin will receive an extension in the 2024 offseason. If Tomlin were to decline an extension, there is no reason for the Steelers not to trade him. Letting him walk in free agency without receiving compensation would be owner's malpractice.

Florio is confident, however, that Tomlin won't be fired after the 2023 campaign. With a year remaining on his contract, he will be the one making the decision of what happens next.

"If a split occurs, it will happen either because Tomlin wants out — or because another team looking for a new head coach (Commanders, e.g.) calls the Steelers to initiate the process for essentially pulling off a trade."

The positive news for Steelers fans is that many teams looking for coaches would have had poor seasons in 2023. The former Super Bowl-winning coach could land Pittsburgh a top 10 pick. With so many holes to fill, it seems inconceivable that the front office would pass up on that kind of capital. By the way, it would likely be more than just one draft selection.

Steelers Have A Multitude Of Options With Tomlin

It's anyone's guess as to how the final three weeks of the regular season will play out. A winning season isn't out of the question, but the fact of the matter is the proud franchise has won just three playoff games since losing in Super Bowl XLV. The decision in the 2024 offseason could set up a new era for the Steelers, or, depending on Tomlin and Rooney's desires, delay that until 2025. Overall, it seems inevitable that change is happening sometime soon.

Do you think that the Steelers need to part ways with Tomlin? What would you expect in return for him via trade? Let us know in the comments below!

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