The Pittsburgh Steelers made it official on Monday, announcing a three-year extension for Head Coach Mike Tomlin. This extension will keep Tomlin at the helm through the 2027 season. While Tomlin is widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the game today, not all Steelers fans are happy with him recently, and for good reason.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin smile while talking to members of the media.
Tomlin has never had a losing season in his 17 seasons as head coach in Pittsburgh. However, he hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Despite consistently achieving winning seasons, Steelers fans are frustrated that Tomlin hasn't had their team in Super Bowl contention for almost a decade.
Despite this, the organization loves Tomlin and had no interest in letting him go. Many outside the organization, including the national media, also hold Tomlin in high regard. Even Steelers' rivals can't deny their admiration for Tomlin as a leader. Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson spoke on his podcast, Nightcap, about the Steelers' decision to extend Tomlin.
"I like Tomlin. I like what he's done with the organization over a period of time. Obviously, there'll be some years. There'll be some down years, obviously, when there are situations when you don't have a quarterback in place or in play to be able to be successful.”
Tomlin coached against Johnson for several years, leading Johnson to realize and appreciate Tomlin's exceptional leadership and coaching skills. Johnson fully supports the Steelers' decision to extend Tomlin's contract through 2027.
“The timing is perfect to extend Mike Tomlin, not for the work that he's already done, but the work that he's going to continue to do for that franchise. And even as a Bengal, even as a Bengal player, I can pay my respects and my due diligence for Tomlin, who was always good to me and always been a great coach. And I always loved competing against him."
Johnson played 20 games against the Steelers during his career, recording 87 catches for 1,198 yards and three touchdowns. Of those 20 games, only eight were under Tomlin's tenure as the Steelers' head coach.
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Former Cincinnati Bengals Chad Johnson makes a one handed catch against the Browns.
Once Tomlin took over, the Steelers excelled at limiting Johnson, preventing him from having any standout performances. Johnson's best game against Pittsburgh under Tomlin's leadership was in Tomlin's first season, where he managed just six catches for 86 yards.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Is Set To Exceed Expectations In 2024
Tomlin is a competitor, and he must be frustrated with the recent lack of playoff success. The 2024 season presents an opportunity for him and his team to break the playoff drought and return to Super Bowl contention. The Steelers have made significant improvements across virtually every position on both sides of the ball. With new personnel in place, it's likely the Steelers could surprise many football fans in 2024 with a great season.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a game.
They will face one of the most challenging schedules in football. With his contract extension secured, Tomlin is equipped with a legitimate quarterback, a dominant running game, a formidable defense, and a special teams unit filled with playmakers. If he cannot lead the Steelers to a playoff victory in 2024, fans may once again call for the end of his tenure. However, Tomlin isn't going anywhere, and even his former rivals recognize and appreciate his greatness.
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