Steelers' Mike Tomlin has 'seen more days than I'm going to see,' focused on 2024

The Steelers gave head coach Mike Tomlin a three-year contract extension on Monday in one of the more unsurprising moves of the offseason.

Although some believed it was time to move on from the longtime head coach following Pittsburgh's loss to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round of the playoffs last season, it was always going to be his job as long as he wanted it.

Now signed through the 2027 season, the question becomes: How long does he want it?

Tomlin didn't directly answer that question but hopes to take advantage of the little time he has left in the NFL.

"I've seen more days than I'm going to see on this job," Tomlin said. "I'm focused on 2024 and have been, and that's my mindset."

The Steelers have taken a more modernized approach over the past couple of years, parting ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada midseason, cutting their losses with first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett after just two seasons and handing linebacker Patrick Queen the biggest free-agent contract in franchise history.

So there isn't any less "urgency" for Pittsburgh, and Tomlin will need to lead his team to its first postseason win since the 2016 season sooner rather than later.

Quarterback Russell Wilson thinks he'll be able to do just that and is more than deserving of his contract extension.

"He's one of the greatest motivators I've ever been around. I think his ability to communicate, his ability to inspire individuals every day," Wilson said. "I think that's why he's a Hall of Fame coach. It's just an honor to be able to play for him."

Tomlin, 52, could call it quits before the end of 2027, play out the rest of his contract or get extended once again.

Whichever he chooses to do, he believes he's at the top of his game to help the Steelers return to greatness.

"I've gotten better with experience," Tomlin added. "It's not always reflected in the outcome of games, but that can be said about a lot of components of what it is we do."

All quotations were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.