Steelers eliminate talk of Mike Tomlin's status by extending his contract
The Pittsburgh Steelers are famous for winning Super Bowls and rarely changing head coaches. On Thursday, they announced a move that had to do with the latter and what they hope will have to do (again) with the former.
The Steelers have extended the contract of head coach Mike Tomlin, whose deal was set to run out after the 2016 season, for two more years through at least 2018.
“I am pleased to announce we have extended Mike Tomlin’s contract through the 2018 season,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said. “Mike has proven he is one of the top head coaches in the National Football League, and we are confident he will continue to lead the team in our pursuit of another Super Bowl championship.”
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This news is far from stunning, as it fits with the renegotiation model Tomlin and the Steelers have followed, revisiting his contract every two years or so since he was hired prior to the 2007 season. Since then, he has compiled an impressive record of 82-46 (.641 winning percentage) — with no losing seasons — and has made the postseason five times in his eight seasons with the club, winning Super Bowl XLIII.
But even with that, there have been some ripples of disappointment in Steeltown in recent years and some idle speculation just how strong the team's commitment might be to Tomlin long term. After all, the Steelers had back-to-back 8-8 seasons in 2012 and 2013, followed by a first-round exit last season to the rival Baltimore Ravens and — seriously — zero playoff victories since the 2010 campaign.
But the Rooney family clearly realizes what it has with Tomlin and a talented team that should be considered a Super Bowl contender this season in a fairly open AFC field. The coach's involvement on defense could be greater this season, considering the team's needs on that side of the ball and with Keith Butler replacing the revered Dick LeBeau as coordinator.
“I very much appreciate this contract extension, but my sole focus has been and will continue to be meeting the challenges that lie ahead for the 2015 season,” Tomlin said. “These past nine years in Pittsburgh have been a wonderful experience for my family, and I look forward to pursuing what is the Steelers’ goal every year – bringing another Super Bowl championship to the City of Pittsburgh.”
With this deal coming down, Tomlin clearly never was on any shaky ground with ownership, but getting it finished now eliminates the possibility of going into a lame-duck season and gives the coach protection in case the Steelers fail to meet expectations this season.
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm
