Mike Tomlin has officially announced his resignation as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a position he has held for 19 years. The announcement came on Tuesday, following the team”s elimination from the playoffs after a disappointing 30-6 defeat to the Houston Texans on Monday night. This loss marks Tomlin”s seventh consecutive postseason defeat dating back to 2016.
In a statement, Tomlin expressed his gratitude to the Steelers organization, stating, “This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team.” He also thanked the team”s owners for their support and acknowledged the passionate fanbase, saying, “Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special.”
The team president, Art Rooney II, expressed his deep appreciation for Tomlin”s dedication and success over nearly two decades, saying, “It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin.”
Tomlin joined the Steelers in 2007, becoming not only the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL but also the longest in North American professional sports. Throughout his tenure, he consistently maintained a winning record, never finishing a season below .500. After winning a Super Bowl in his second year, Tomlin has struggled to replicate that playoff success, holding a 5-11 record in his last 16 postseason games. The Steelers have not advanced past the AFC Championship game since the 2010 season.
When hired at just 34 years old, Tomlin made headlines as he succeeded the legendary Bill Cowher. Since then, he has matched Cowher”s record for the most wins in Steelers history, boasting a winning percentage that stands as the best in the franchise”s history. Both coaches have each won a Super Bowl and lost another during their respective tenures.
As the Steelers prepare to find only their fourth head coach since 1969, they are also faced with a significant decision regarding their quarterback situation, particularly with Aaron Rodgers, who indicated that this season might be his last.
Tomlin”s departure follows a trend in the AFC North, where John Harbaugh, the long-serving head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, was also fired after a loss to the Steelers in the final game of the regular season.
In the wake of the loss to the Texans, Tomlin acknowledged the frustrations of the Steelers” fans, who have now gone at least a decade without a playoff victory. “When you don”t get it done, words are cheap,” he stated during his postgame press conference. “It”s about what you do or you don”t do.”
Despite his decision to step down, Tomlin received a vote of confidence from Rodgers, who remarked, “Mike T. has had more success than damn near anybody in the league for the last 19, 20 years.” He noted the pressures that come from external sources, which can influence decisions but emphasized the importance of maintaining the right culture within a team.
