Mike Tomlin's contract extension doesn't mean less 'urgency' for Steelers

Before Monday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was heading into the final year of his contract. That is no longer the case.

Pittsburgh announced it is signing Tomlin to a three-year extension that will keep him with the team through the 2027 season.

"Mike Tomlin's leadership and commitment to the Steelers have been pivotal to our success during his first 17 years as head coach," President Art Rooney II said. "Extending his contract for three more years reflects our confidence in his ability to guide the team back to winning playoff games and championships while continuing our tradition of success."

The news doesn't mean the team is satisfied with its performances in the last eight years.

The Steelers have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season and following their fifth straight postseason loss last season, many believed it was time for the team to move on from its longtime head coach.

Pittsburgh clearly felt otherwise, and rightfully so.

Although the Steelers have not won a playoff game in the past seven years, Tomlin has never had a losing season, which is something not a lot of teams can say.

Tomlin is far from perfect, but he is still a top-five head coach in the NFL. So it was smart of the team to lock him up before he had the chance to hit the open market next offseason.

Plus, the Steelers deciding to extend Tomlin does not mean there is any less urgency or that he is any less untouchable if their playoff win drought continues.

Rooney II's frustrations following the 2023 season have not changed.

"We've had enough of this. It's time to get some wins," Rooney II told reporters. "It's time to take these next steps. There's some urgency there, for sure."

Pittsburgh has also taken a more modern approach over the past two years with moves like parting ways with offensive coordinator midseason, cutting its losses with first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett after just two seasons and handing linebacker Patrick Queen the biggest free-agent contract in franchise history.

All are moves that the Steelers of old would have never made. So although fans may have mixed feelings about Pittsburgh locking up Tomlin for the foreseeable future, he knows he still has a lot to prove in 2024.

"I am appreciative for this contract extension and thankful for Art Rooney II for his support during my first 17 years in Pittsburgh," Tomlin said. "We are continuing to work diligently to get back to where we belong – sustained playoff success with the ultimate goal of winning the franchise's seventh Lombardi Trophy."