Mike Tomlin Extension Continues Steelers Tradition Of Coach Stability

For about 12 hours last winter, there was a question about whether Mike Tomlin would be signing a contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That question was answered Monday when the veteran coach, who has never had a losing season, signed a 3-year extension.

Yeah, this is a much better moment than that postgame press conference following a playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills in January. During that presser, Tomlin was asked about his looming contract questions.

Tomlin walked out of that press conference before the question was fully articulated, leading to speculation something was amiss.

UNITED STATES - DECEMBER 03:  Football: Closeup of Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll with QB Terry Bradshaw (12) on sidelines during game vs Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh, PA 12/3/1972  (Photo by Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)  (SetNumber: X17311)

Tomlin Inches Closer To Noll

All that ultimately was amiss was Tomlin's frustration over a loss and the impertinence of a wrong question at the wrong time.

Well, Monday brought that moment to a close.

The extension will keep Tomlin with the team through at least the 2027 season.

Tomlin, hired in 2007, will begin his 18th season with the club in September. He will be the Steelers coach 21 season, assuming he completes his new contract's tenure.

That would leave him within striking distance of Chuck Noll as the longest tenured Steelers coach. Noll coached the team 23 years.

"Mike Tomlin's leadership and commitment to the Steelers have been pivotal to our success during his first 17 years as head coach," said Steelers President Art Rooney II in a statement. 

"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 Steelers tradition of success has allowed them to have only three coaches since Noll took over in 1969. Noll was succeeded by Bill Cowher in 1992 and remained until the end of the 2006 season. Both Noll and Cowher are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Tomlin Plotting HOF Course

Breaking: Tomlin is similarly headed for an appointment with the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

But that's a conversation for another day.

"I am appreciative for this contract extension and thankful for Art Rooney II for his support during my first 17 years in Pittsburgh," said Tomlin in a statement. "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.

"I am very excited to get the 2024 season underway and provide our fans with a memorable year."