The Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the most historic franchises in the NFL, have long been a team notorious for success and stability. At the helm stands Mike Tomlin, a well-respected head coach whose leadership has led his team to 17 straight non-losing seasons. However, with one year remaining on his contract with the organization, this had brought an uncomfortable and strange dilemma going into the 2024 season. After the swirling speculations, it was reported that the team and Tomlin plan to reach an agreement on an extension this summer.
After another hard fought, but yet heartbreaking playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Steelers found themselves in a familiar spot where they have been in for the past seven years. As legendary of a head coach that Tomlin is made out to be, for whatever reason, he and his Steelers cannot get over their recent playoff win drought. After their 31-17 loss to the Bills, Tomlin was reminded of his contract only having one year remaining.
Tomlin, clearly frustrated after another playoff loss that was winnable, later on apologized for walking out after this reporter's question. After the city of Pittsburgh wondered what Tomlin's future would hold, Tomlin eventually reassured the Steel City that he is confident he will get an extension during the upcoming summer. What will that extension look like? Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently shared his thoughts on what Tomlin's extension will entail.
"It's either going to be two years or one year and an option. Has he earned it? Depends what you want to settle for with your team."
Has he earned it? That seems to have been one of the biggest question marks this offseason circling around concerned Pittsburgh fans. Many of course wanted Tomlin out long ago, but dumping a successful regular season coach, a Super Bowl champion, and a coach that almost every player in the league seems to want to play for, doesn't seem so smart. After all, Tomlin and the Steelers reached the playoffs last season with incompetent quarterback play. Now, with some new talent in town, why shouldn't Tomlin be given a few more seasons to prove himself?
Tomlin has been coaching for such an extended time at this point, but he doesn't seem to show any signs of slowing down or losing any love for the game of football. Tomlin and the Steelers are hoping to be done with the mediocrity, and hopefully are ready to get back to winning in the playoffs. The Steelers have been labeled "unserious" and have become a football team that others do not fear. It's time for Tomlin and company to change that in 2024.
What Will Be Different For Tomlin and Steelers in 2024?
As mentioned previously, the Steelers are hoping to have better quarterback play next season by totally revamping their QB room this offseason. After cutting Mitch Trubisky, trading Kenny Pickett, and not re-signing Mason Rudolph, the Steelers decided to go out and acquire some big names - Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Either Wilson or Fields is a dramatic upgrade than any of the guys on the roster last year.
Quarterback and offensive coordinator were the two spots that most importantly needed to be addressed this offseason. Before the quarterback moves were made, the Steelers brought in a new and proven offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith. After an ugly, brutal, and seemingly impossible to watch offense under Matt Canada for two and a half seasons, the Steelers finally found their upgrade in Smith.
Smith led the Tennessee Titans and their offense to an AFC Championship appearance in the 2019-2020 season with Ryan Tannehill under center and Derrick Henry in the backfield. Smith and the Titans ran a smash mouth, run heavy, and deep play-action offense, which is what they plan on doing with the Steelers in 2024.
With upgrades at quarterback, offensive coordinator, and adding talent to an already dominant defense, this Steelers team in 2024 should look much different than the past few seasons. One Tomlin should hopefully win a playoff game with.
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