The conversation about Mike Tomlin's future with the Pittsburgh Steelers has become increasingly loud over the past few weeks.
Now that the season is over, things have reached a head and the speculation has reached a boiling point.
Well, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, Coach Tomlin just silenced the fodder, or at least for the time being:
In a team meeting today, Mike Tomlin told #Steelers players the speculation about him stepping away is unfounded and he plans on coaching the team in 2024, sources say.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 16, 2024
Tomlin, who is entering the final year of his contract, is expected to address the media later this week. pic.twitter.com/GwBax5Dei4
Tomlin's return doesn't come as a shock, seeing as he's under contract through this time next year.
The only reason this is much of a story, is because Tomlin's tenure has undergone scrutiny in recent weeks, paired with reports that he may look to take time off and come back.
And Coach T didn't help things when he stormed off the podium after Monday's season-ending loss for Millions to see.
But those inside the building and among the team were and are behind Tomlin all the way. T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward came out in vehement defense of Tomlin after the Bills playoff loss, with Watt even saying that part of his contract negotiations were tied to Tomlin being teh HC.
And while this ends the discussion for the time being, the fodder surrounding Tomlins's future is far from over.
The next domino to fall will be seeing whether or not Tomlin signs an extension this offseason.
If he does, that's the end of it.
But if Tomlin isn't extended over the next few months, 2024 could be his last in Pittsburgh.
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