To-day Tuesday, Mike Tomlin, the greatly respected head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, announced his intention to resign. He broke this news at a stakeholders meeting with the players. His departure, something many assumed was impossible, signals the end of an era for the franchise. Tomlin’s 19-year tenure of breathtaking milestones and an impressive legacy that will be tough to top.
Tomlin’s leadership was characterized by a notable achievement: he never experienced a losing season throughout his entire coaching career. During his tenure, the Steelers won six division titles, going on to win eight AFC North championships under Cowher’s leadership. In Tomlin’s second season, the Steelers went 12-4 and won the Super Bowl. At statuesque 36 years of age, he became the youngest head coach to ever hoist the coveted championship.
It was an unfortunate ending for Tomlin, whose legacy is still generally seen in a positive light, until Sunday’s unexpected turn of events. The fans made their feelings clear by booing their disappointment. This season was an important turning point for the franchise. Tomlin’s most recent postseason victory was in 2016 against the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving him as the first head coach in Steelers lore to suffer through nine-straight seasons without a playoff win.
Given that Tomlin has two seasons left on his contract, for him to resign would indicate a major change to Tomlin’s coaching career. He loses his coaching rights. Should he choose to return to the NFL sideline before the conclusion of that 2027 campaign, his compensation will be up for negotiation.
Through the last three campaigns, Tomlin’s squads were all of the same 10-7 ilk. His coaching skills became evident this season, when he captured his 200th career NFL victory in Week 16 against the Lions. He subsequently matched Chuck Noll for ninth place with 193 regular-season wins after a Week 18 victory over the Ravens.
Art Rooney II, owner of the Steelers, was clearly very appreciative of all that Tomlin had done for the franchise.
“During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our Head Coach,” – Art Rooney II
Rooney praised Tomlin for leading the franchise to its sixth Super Bowl championship and 13 playoff appearances during his stay. Rooney was particularly proud of Tomlin’s impressive accomplishment of never having a losing season. He says sweeping this record will be virtually impossible moving forward.
“It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin,” – Art Rooney
Tomlin’s high standard of excellence shined through and stood out to players and coaches. Defensive captain Cameron Heyward defended him against criticism, emphasizing the hard work and dedication Tomlin put into preparing each player.
“I don’t really care about that noise because they don’t know what Mike T puts into this,” – Cameron Heyward
Heyward went on to explain more of Tomlin’s hounding ways off the field, sharing that preparation is more than just coaching.
“They don’t know how he goes out of his way to prepare every man. Coaching is only going to do so much; players have to play better. And in those critical moments, players are going to step up,” – Cameron Heyward
Even Aaron Rodgers took a moment to commend Tomlin’s impressive achievement over the last 16 years.
“Mike T has had more success than damn near anybody in the league for the last 19, 20 years,” – Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers reiterated the point that having the right leader with the right culture was critical, of course. He expressed understanding for how outside influence can affect the moves a program makes with its coaches.
“And more than that, though, when you have the right guy and the culture is right, you don’t think about making a change; but there’s a lot of pressure that comes from the outside and obviously that sways decisions from time to time,” – Aaron Rodgers
Tomlin’s anticipated departure arrives at a crucial time, when appreciation of his accomplishments as head coach is necessary. In an emotional letter to the team, he expressed deep respect for them and pledged his future support.
“While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change,” – Mike Tomlin
The Steelers are well into their own new chapter. Without their longtime, legendary coach, who left an indelible mark on the organization and its fans, they’ll continue to soldier on. His accomplishments will always be cherished by those who watched him lead both on and off the field.
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