(Pittsburgh) The longest-serving head coach in the NFL is not about to leave Pittsburgh.
The Steelers signed Mike Tomlin to a three-year extension on Monday that will tie the coach to the club through the end of the 2027 season. Tomlin was set to enter the final year of his signed contract in April 2021.
Tomlin, 52, is 173-100-2 since replacing Hall of Famer Bill Cowher in 2007. Tomlin has not had a losing season since taking over. Despite rumors last year that he wanted to take some time away from the sidelines, the desire to help the Steelers remain competitive in the American Association prevailed.
The Steelers are coming off an eventful 10-7 season, which ended with a first-round elimination at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. Asked about his future after the loss, Tomlin left the podium instead of answering.
A few days later, Tomlin, usually full of energy, seemed on the verge of burnout.
While the team has always been competitive under his leadership, they have not won a playoff game since the second round of 2016. This eight-year drought is the club’s longest since the “Immaculate Reception” of 1972.