Mike Tomlin stepped down as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday after 19 seasons without a losing record.
The announcement comes one day after the Steelers dropped a 30-6 decision to the Houston Texans in the AFC wild-card game in Pittsburgh. The loss was his seventh straight postseason defeat.
Tomlin, 53, said in a statement released by the team on Tuesday that he came to the decision “after much thought and reflection.”
“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 wrote. “I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.”
The departure of Tomlin means the Steelers will be looking for only their fourth head coach since 1969.
It also represents the ninth NFL coaching change since the conclusion of the regular season. ESPN reported that Tomlin is not expected to coach elsewhere next season.
Tomlin guided the Steelers to a Super Bowl XLIII title following the 2008 season with a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He posted a 193-114-2 record during his time with Pittsburgh, tying him with Hall of Famer Chuck Noll for ninth place in regular-season wins.
“During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our head coach. Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years,” Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement posted on X.
“It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin. He guided the franchise to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career. His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated. My family and I, and everyone connected to Steelers management, are forever grateful for the passion and dedication Mike Tomlin has devoted to Steelers football.”
Although Pittsburgh won the AFC North, Tomlin heard boos and derisive chants from the Steelers’ faithful at various times this season — and that included in the waning moments of Monday night’s game versus the Texans.
“When you don’t get it done, words are cheap,” Tomlin said after the game. “It’s about what you do or you don’t do. And so, I appreciate the question, but people talk too much in our business. You either do or you don’t.”
Tomlin thanked “Steelers Nation” in his statement on Tuesday.
“Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special,” he wrote. “Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team.
“While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh.”
One of the nine current openings is in Baltimore. The Ravens and John Harbaugh, who was the second-longest tenured coach in the NFL behind Tomlin when the teams played last week, split after 18 seasons days after the Steelers completed a season sweep to win the division.
Owner Steve Bisciotti couldn’t grasp the reality of Baltimore being in position to potentially hire Tomlin, and vice versa with Harbaugh and the Steelers.
“Holy s— wouldn’t that be awesome? Only if John takes the Pittsburgh job,” Bisciotti said. “Wow. Wouldn’t that be interesting? I don’t know, maybe that game last week maybe disqualifies him from my opening when our kicker missed a kick to let them advance.
“Good for Mike. I don’t know. I love Mike. I’ve admired Mike for 18 years. That really shocks me that he did it that way. That’s kind of crazy.”
–Field Level Media
