As Mike Tomlin gears up for his 11th playoff appearance with the Pittsburgh Steelers, speculation about his future with the team is gaining momentum.
Fresh off his record-setting 17th straight non-losing season as the head coach, the 51-year-old NFL veteran is facing rumors that this might be his last season in Pittsburgh.
According to ESPN, there are whispers circulating that Tomlin could follow in the footsteps of Sean Payton and opt for a hiatus.
Insider Adam Schefter recently addressed the rumors, stating: “The Steelers are not firing Mike Tomlin, but…there are some people around the league who believe that Mike Tomlin could decide, eventually, to take some time off. Like Sean Payton did, maybe take a year off.”
Adam Schefter had some interesting insight regarding Mike Tomlin's future in Pittsburgh on Sunday's ESPN NFL Countdown. pic.twitter.com/rXqy6EVOFA
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 8, 2024
Schefter compared the situation to that of Payton, who took a break from coaching after his 15-year stint with the New Orleans Saints.
Payton spent a year as a FOX Sports analyst before returning to the NFL as the Denver Broncos head coach via a trade in 2023.
Although NBC Sports reported earlier this year that Pittsburgh has “no reason” to believe Tomlin wants to leave and is interested in extending his contract, Schefter has continued to emphasize the possibility of Tomlin departing after the current season.
Speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Schefter mentioned that certain NFL sources believe Tomlin “could walk” away.
Despite the speculation, Schefter emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with Tomlin, stating: “He’s staying on if he wants to.”
"I don't know what Mike Tomlin is gonna do but I can tell you that people out there in the league think after this season he could walk away..
If Pittsburgh didn't want him he would get a job right away" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Pmtgb20SQn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 8, 2024
Tomlin, the NFL’s second-longest-tenured head coach behind Bill Belichick, has held firm job security during his nearly two decades in Pittsburgh.
With a coaching record of 173-100-2, he led the Steelers to two Super Bowls, winning one.
However, local scrutiny has increased in recent years as the team’s last playoff victory dates back to 2016 when they reached the AFC Championship.
“Mike Tomlin will have his first losing season
“Steelers will not make the playoffs”
“Steelers will finish last in the division”pic.twitter.com/glosdIxYeu
— . (@Notdojaaa) January 7, 2024
The Steelers, who finished the regular season 10-7, are set to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday as part of Super Wild Card Weekend.
If Tomlin were to leave after this season, several teams with head coaching vacancies, including the Commanders, have been suggested as potential suitors, even if it entails negotiating a trade with the Steelers.
What do you think will end up happening?
Do you think Tomlin is indeed a little “burnt out” in Pittsburgh?
It’s hard to imagine happening – but if he were to leave – who do you think the Steelers should hire to replace him???