Joe Sargent/Getty Images
Despite another early exit from the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly won’t be making a head coaching change anytime soon.
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazettethe Steelers don’t plan to fire or trade head coach Mike Tomlin this offseason following Saturday night’s AFC Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Tomlin is the longest-tenured coach in the NFL and is believed to be earning an annual salary of approximately $15 million, per Dulac. He signed a three-year contract extension with the Steelers before the season that will keep him with the team through the 2027 campaign.
However, after the Steelers’ season ended with a 28-14 loss to the Ravens, many started to wonder about Tomlin’s future in Pittsburgh. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that at least one other team called the Steelers to inquire about Tomlin being available for a trade, but the no-trade clause in his contract would need to be waived for such a deal to be completed.
“Last week, we said there will be teams that would check into the availability of Mike Tomlin, and one did, and one was told that Mike Tomlin has a no-trade clause in his contract,” Schefter said. “So, anything that would happen in Pittsburgh involving Mike Tomlin would come with his consent and his consent only. A loss like last night’s might further teams to look into it.”
Pittsburgh had gotten off to a strong start to the year before ending the regular season with four straight losses. Dulac noted that the team allowed an average of 14.8 points and 306 yards in the first eight games and then allowed 25.6 points and 353.6 yards in the last 10, including the postseason.
Dulac added that changes among the coaching staff “are likely to be expected,” but the team’s defense likely won’t change much since Tomlin manages that side of the ball.
It’s clear that the Steelers need improvements in multiple areas, and they’re still putting their trust in Tomlin to figure out the best path forward.
