Love him or hate him, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin likely will be around at least three more years.
The Steelers and Tomlin agreed to a contract extension on Monday that will keep the coach in Pittsburgh through the 2027 season.
Tomlin, 52, is entering his 18th season. He has taken the franchise to two Super Bowls, winning one after the 2008 season. Since 2016, the team has struggled to find success in the playoffs.
Tomlin was hired in 2007 to replace Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher and became the longest-tenured coach with one team when Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots parted ways after the 2023 season. Tomlin also has With the exception of Chuck Noll, who led the team for 23 seasons, he has coached the Steelers for the longest.
However, some Steelers supporters aren’t happy that Tomlin will be in charge for another three seasons, pointing to the team’s lackluster performance over the last several seasons.
It seems like the company is content to be mediocre. “They’re crazy, based on (Tomlin’s) lack of performance,” Johnstown resident Keith Mayer remarked while having a bite to eat at Sharky’s Cafe in Unity on Monday afternoon.
While seated at Sharky’s a few tables away, Andrew Whitesell of Derry Township observed that Tomlin “hasn’t won any Super Bowls for a while.” That is what appeals to everyone.
“Chuck Noll is the only one I liked,” Whitesell’s dining companion, Denise Finley of Derry Township, said of the former Steelers coach who led the team to its first four Super Bowl wins. “It’s not like it was in the ’70s.”
“I personally think it’s a bad idea, but it’s exactly what I expected,” Tim Goswick of Hempfield said of the organization’s continued commitment to Tomlin. “I just would like to see the Steelers go in a different direction.”
Goswick was enjoying a meal at Dino’s Sports Lounge in Unity, while Teresa and Bud Garstecki of Donegal Township were dining nearby.
The Garsteckis said they both are satisfied with Tomlin continuing as head coach, though Teresa had a more positive outlook concerning the contract extension.
“I’m glad to hear it,” she said. “I think he’s been a good coach. He’s good to his guys. I know they haven’t won for a while, but that’s OK. They will.”
Dave Uhring of Unity, who was seated at the bar in Dino’s, joined Mayer in faulting Tomlin for his in-game decisions.
“He always loses that one game per season against a team that is not as good as the Steelers,” Uhring said.
“There are certain live-game situations where his decision-making is just very questionable,” Mayer said.
But Uhring doesn’t necessarily object to Tomlin’s contract extension.
“You do that to ensure the players’ loyalty and morale,” Uhring remarked. It gives the organization stability. He usually does a terrific job of inspiring the guys. If it becomes disastrous, they might fire him.
The Rooneys’ decision to give Tomlin an extension is not surprising, according to Ed DeMeio of New Kensington, as they are frugal and don’t want to pay for a new coach.
He declared, “Everything they do is cheap.” “I watched them back when they were Kordell Stewart.” .. I’ll watch them (now) if they perform well. I cut them off if they behave badly. I should be doing better things. In my opinion, Tomlin is an ineffective coach.
Patrice Terrance of Arnold said she is a longtime Steelers fan. She believes Tomlin has had enough chances and is not the coach to restore the team or the town as the City of Champions.
“I came from the generation of the drive for five (Super Bowl rings),” she said. “We were the city of champions. We know what this city can do because we lived it and we were unstoppable. Stanley cups, the Pennant and the Super Bowl. We’d like to see it again, real nostalgic. I’m thinking we really should move on. It’s not even exciting anymore.”
In the sports betting area inside of Live Casino Pittsburgh in Hempfield, visitors had varying opinions on the Steelers’ move.
Sitting in front of the large screen near the bar, Rob Gobert of Brackenridge said he figured Tomlin’s contract would get renewed. But he feels that the Steelers need some sort of change moving forward.
“I’m not sure if it’s a new coach, new talent, or modification of all of the above is the solution,” he said. “I want to see the Steelers get a Super Bowl in my lifetime again.”
There were those who opposed the renewal even more.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to renew Tomlin,” Latrobe bartender Tyler Johnston stated. “It’s not a bad season, but it’s not spectacular either. The Super Bowl is the objective. He coaches players far too much.
Anthony Steban, a resident of Latrobe as well, agreed.
“I believe he is a coach for players.” He is among the boys, Steban remarked. Every time we trail late in a game, Tommy appears to lose his way on the sidelines. He hasn’t, in my opinion, kept up with the league’s changes.
Near Latrobe, at Saint Vincent College, preseason camp begins in July.
