Steelers Now Poll: Do You Still Believe in Mike Tomlin?
Steelers fans and media woke up to the news Mike Tomlin’s contract has been extended for an additional three years. And to no surprise, that news reignited one of the most polarizing topics in Pittsburgh sports.
Throughout Tomlin’s tenure as head coach, he owns a 145-78-1 record, which equates to a .650 win percentage, he’s led the Steelers to three AFC Championship Game appearances, two Super Bowls and won Super Bowl XLIII. The 49-year-old has also never posted a losing season during his entire time leading the Black and Gold.
Despite his impressive overall résumé, one that very likely will land him enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, many argue it’s misleading when discussing if he deserves a contract extension.
I totally understand still employing Mike Tomlin. I totally understand the Steelers don’t fire head coaches. I totally understand Mike Tomlin has a Hall of Fame résumé. But I don’t get extending him for 3 more years after winning only 3 playoff games in a decade.
— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) April 20, 2021
While Tomlin’s regular season win percentage ranks him among the best ever, his postseason record is far less impressive. He’s 8-8 in the playoffs with most of those wins happening early in his tenure. The point that’s often brought up, and will be until it changes, is Tomlin’s teams have only won 3 total playoff games in the last decade.
With all that said, and has been detailed as part of Steelers Now’s coverage, the Steelers are extremely loyal to head coaches. The Rooney family allowed Chuck Noll to remain the head coach until he decided it was finally time to walk away long after the Steelers were a contender. The Steelers also permitted Bill Cowher to post multiple losing seasons and playoff disappointments before eventually winning his elusive Lombardi Trophy.
If those Hall of Fame coaches were allowed to stay on, Tomlin should be too, some may say. But it’s also worth noting we are in a completely different time now and successful coaches are fired all the time for a couple less than stellar results.
Regardless to all of that, Tomlin is staying at least through the 2024 season. Do you still believe in him as the right guy to lead the franchise back to glory?
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