Mike Tomlin offers his first comments about leaving Steelers

Mike Tomlin has spoken publicly for the first time since deciding to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tomlin was honored on Thursday at The Ireland Funds Pittsburgh Gala, and gave a brief speech to the audience. While he did not go into any great detail about his decision to step down as head coach, Tomlin did express his gratitude for the opportunity to “serve the greatest organization in sports.”

“It’s often said we’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time, like you have to choose,” Tomlin said. “And I think our experience here in Pittsburgh and with the great Steelers organization exemplifies that — we were here for a long and really good time.”

Tomlin has yet to address his departure at length, though we know it was his own choice. He has yet to offer any indication about what his next move might be, though some have even claimed that he never plans to return to coaching.

Tomlin, 53, would be highly sought-after if he ever did decide to coach again. Though he came under increasing criticism for a lack of playoff success in Pittsburgh late in his career there, he still went 193-114-2 as the team’s head coach and never had a losing season in his 19-year tenure.