Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Gives Update on Future Plans Following Exit Rumors

After the Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round of the playoffs earlier this week, many were wondering if head coach Mike Tomlin was going to leave the team. It looks like that’s not going to happen as Tomlin told reporters on Thursday he’s ready to compete for a Super Bowl with the Steelers this fall. 

“I expect to be back, and I would imagine that those contract things are going to run their course,”  Tomlin said,

according to ESPN.”My relationship with Art [Rooney II] is incredibly good and open. We talk all the time. My perspective is to coach his football team, so I don’t think there will be any problems and I think everything will be finished on time.”

When questioned about his future with the Steelers at a postgame press conference, Tomlin stormed off. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it is now anticipated that the 51-year-old coach will receive a contract extension from the Steelers.

“I certainly could have handled that situation better than I did,” Tomlin said about the postgame press conference incident. “But I’ll also say this, I just believe there’s a time and place for everything and postgame press

Contract disputes and other such matters are probably not appropriate topics to discuss at conferences. It’s just a very personal matter, and I doubt that any of us are thinking like that on game day. I know that I am not.”

Tomlin’s current deal is set to expire in one year. It gave rise to some conjecture that he might take a year off from the NFL, but Tomlin stated that would not be the case. “I understand speculation is a component of what it is that we do,” Tomlin stated. “I try not to let it consume me or divert my attention, especially when it is not where I am. That’s how I’ve been thinking about it.

Tomlin has been the Steerles head coach since 2007 and third since 1969. During his time in Pittsburgh, Tomlin has led the Steelers to 11 playoff appearances, seven AFC North titles, three AFC Championship appearances, two conference wins and one Super Bowl title.