Steelers Daily News & Links: Black Monday Begins, Potential Tomlin Destination Opens

Alan Saunders |

Updated: Jan 8, 2024

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin at practice on Jan. 3, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

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? The Atlanta Falcons got what is known as Black Monday in the NFL started just after midnight, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Falcons have parted ways with head coach Arthur Smith after three seasons. The Falcons finished 7-10 and in third place in the NFC South. The Steelers will visit the Falcons with a new head coach in 2024.

? The Washington Commanders have fired head coach Ron Rivera. That’s a landing spot that many have suggested might work for a trade if Mike Tomlin decides he wants to leave Pittsburgh. Tomlin is a Virginia native and grew up a fan of that team. He has just one year remaining on his contract in Pittsburgh. Steelers fans should watch the news around this opening.

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? The Carolina Panthers already fired head coach Frank Reich, and now general manager Scott Fitterer will join him on the unemployment line, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

? Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll expressed optimism that they will remain with their teams. The Patriots have the third overall pick, while the Week 17 loss to the Steelers helped keep the Seahawks out of the playoffs at 9-8.

? The first 18 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft have been set. Adjust your mock drafts accordingly.

? Bill Barnwell of ESPN picked T.J. Watt as his NFL Defensive Player of the Year, ahead of Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett

“The Steelers wouldn’t have a winning record if not for Watt, who has far and away been the best defensive player on a team that’s been utterly dependent on its defense to win games. (Porter came closest, but even he didn’t get going until October.) Again, if Parsons or Garrett were your pick, I wouldn’t bat an eye. To me, however, Watt has been the most productive and impactful edge rusher in football over the full season. It’s tough to imagine the Steelers being competitive without him in the postseason.”

? Happy 25th birthday to safety Kenny Robinson Jr. Robinson, a Wilkinsburg native and alumnus of Imani Christian and West Virginia, spent training camp with the Steelers this summer before his release at the edge of the regular season.

? Steelers City Star posted a clip of the Steelers playoff game against the Cleveland Browns in 1994, with Neil O’Donnell throwing a touchdown pass to Yancey Thigpen.

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