Mike Tomlin‘s status with the 2024 Steelers appeared in doubt as this season wound down, but the longtime Pittsburgh leader is not going anywhere. And Tomlin, as should be expected, will not enter the ’24 slate as a lame duck.
The Steelers are planning to give their veteran head coach another extension, Art Rooney II said Thursday (via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac). Tomlin’s current deal runs through the 2024 season. This stands to be Tomlin’s eighth Steelers contract.
Succeeding Bill Cowher back in 2007, Tomlin is now the NFL’s longest-tenured head coach. He guided the Steelers to the playoffs for an 11th time, dropping a wild-card game to the Bills. Evasive about his contract status after that game, Tomlin is indeed coming back. Tomlin, 51, has won a Super Bowl and led Pittsburgh to Super Bowl XLV, a loss to the Packers, two years later. But he is on a cold streak in the postseason. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since beating the Alex Smith-led Chiefs in the 2016 divisional round, losing their past five postseason matchups.
Tomlin’s 17-year streak without a losing season has become a somewhat divisive issue, seeing as this playoff-win drought has transpired during the streak’s second half. Thirteen seasons have also now passed since that yellow pants Super Bowl, a 31-25 Green Bay win, transpired. But Tomlin remains one of the NFL’s most respected figures. Steelers plans for this extension emerged in December, with neither the notion of him taking the 2024 season off nor the prospect of the Steelers trading his rights elsewhere gaining much traction.
As we heard in November, Tomlin will look at outside candidates for the Steelers’ offensive coordinator post (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). The team used Eddie Faulkner as its nominal OC but had QBs coach Mike Sullivan calling plays. Steelers ownership’s confidence in Tomlin’s coordinator picks has wavered, to a degree, making this upcoming hire crucial. The Steelers made some progress since firing Matt Canada — the franchise’s first in-season firing in decades — but they have not been confused with a potent offense in years. Kenny Pickett‘s status adds to the importance of Pittsburgh’s play-caller move.
Tomlin confirmed Thursday (via The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly) that Pickett will enter another offseason as the team’s starting quarterback, but the team is planning to hold a competition for the job. Mason Rudolph may be positioned to provide that, but Tomlin reminded the end-of-season starter played on an expiring contract this season.
A Pickett-Rudolph competition, as it stands now, probably would not excite a sizable sect of Steelers fans. The 2022 first-round pick has underwhelmed during his run as a starter, being stuck on 13 touchdown passes despite making 24 starts. Rudolph provided a spark when replacing Mitch Trubisky late this season, guiding the Steelers to three straight wins to give Tomlin his 10th 10-win season as a head coach. But the high-floor routine that has become the team’s Tomlin-era M.O. has not produced much of consequence, outside of perhaps the team’s hot start in 2020, since the Killer B’s 2017 finale.
Non-Rudolph free agent options that could push Pickett will be available. While Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield may not be viable candidates here, as both will be starter candidates to stay with their current clubs, a number of bridge or high-end backup arms will be available. This includes Ryan Tannehill, Gardner Minshew, Sam Darnold, Jacoby Brissett, Jameis Winston and others. Both Russell Wilson and Jimmy Garoppolo loom as cut candidates, with the former a near-certainty to be released.
It will be interesting to see if the Steelers would consider adding one of these options and Rudolph, who played out a veteran-minimum deal in 2023. The Steelers are expected to cut Trubisky, which will create nearly $3MM in cap space, but Rudolph also may want to explore a QB2 opportunity elsewhere. If nothing else, the former third-round pick played well enough he probably will not need to settle for vet-minimum money in 2024.
The QB and OC pieces in Tomlin’s 2024 puzzle may go a long way toward determining how much longer the Steelers will want to stick with the status quo. That said, the upcoming extension will keep Tomlin’s seat fairly cool. But the Steelers’ viability next season will undoubtedly come down to how Tomlin and GM Omar Khan handle the big-picture questions on offense.
While I’m actually good with Tomlin returning and stating he’s looking forward to bringing in an OC from out of the organization, his comments about Pickett being number 1 going—while predictable—were disappointing. I hope his first 23 or 24 starts were just growing pains. Jeez, I hope so.
…going into training camp
1 start without Canada. Do you think Rudolph would’ve looked better as good as he did under canadas system? Not saying Pickett is even better than Rudolph, but it’s not clear cut like many fans believe
Here’s my thing about Canada. He worked under Tomlin and love him or hate him, Tomlin oversees everything. I know he’s defense-oriented but no one can tell me that 5, 10, 15 or 20 games in, he didn’t see what was going on and just opted to allow Canada free rein
I just don’t believe that
Instead, I think the offense was built around Pickett’s abilities, or lack thereof. You forget that the two guys in charge after Canada’s dismissal were still using his playbook
I tend to think defenses loaded the box with Pickett under center and dared him to beat them deep. I tend to believe they saw him as someone who wilts under any type of pressure
I hope I’m wrong. I hope a new OC will be the cure
It’s not that I think Rudolph can get them to the promised land I don’t. But there’s more respect for his arm and he hung in the pocket even under fire
Haley worked under Tomlin too but it’s well documented that Haley was pushed on Tomlin by Rooney
Coach Randy worked under Tomlin too but it’s well documented that was Ben’s boy & he got what he wanted. I feel if Tomlin was the end all be all you woulda saw a lot more running over Ben’s noodle arm throwing 40 times a game under Randy.
And I don’t think people realize how high up the chain of command Dan Rooney Jr is when it comes to scouting and the draft. Don’t know how true it is but have heard that Canada’s relationship went through Dan & not Tomlin. It was Rooney Jr that caught Art’s ear to hire him to the staff because of his innovation in the college offenses which by the way I never seen in him but here nor there. I know Tomlin knew him from being in the building when Canada was at Pitt & I know he coached Dino @ Maryland but I just can’t see him being a Tomlin guy. You hear the stories of Tomlin with Austin outside of the building or Peezy or Dunbar. I just never felt the connection between him & Canada. So when I heard that stuff bout Dan Jr it made a lot of sense to me.
I mean Coach Randy & Keith Butler both were on the staff of Tomlin’s first college job and he still wasn’t buddy buddy with them but he would be with Canada.
Definately. Blaming Canada for Pickets obvious inability to read, scramble or throw is way beyond desperate at this point.
I’m somehow good with Tomlin returning now too. that presser was suprusingly refreshing
an established OC would really change the dynamic
Draft JJ McCarthy second round and make them compete
too many other needs to draft a QB that high after just taking one
ILB, safety and center could all use a top pick
I saw nothing to complain about from Mason’s preformances, I think it’s pretty realistic we see him vs Kenny part 2.
if not, then maybe a Carson Wentz or Marcus Mariotta etc
don’t sleep on Mason tho
Drafting a QB is only reason not to draft another if he’s good enough and he is not and never will be.
and never will be lol..
thanks nostodamous.
I can only imagine what Kirk Cousins would do here with Pickens, Johnson and Muth. To a lesser extent, Russell Wilson, as well
Like you, the presser kind of gave me renewed hope for the overall picture but it seems they’re committed to going down this road with the QB spot. Shame. Hard to see them approaching ‘real contender’ status with those guys.
And sorry, while Michigan truly was the best team in college ball this year, I just don’t see JJ as a big timer.
Drafting a QB when they still have some big holes to fill defies logic
“Those guys” meaning Pickett and Rudolph, who still looks like the better of the two. And it won’t even matter come September
Mason is good but I’m reading reports credible ones that a QB move is possible. Mitch’s contract ends in March too and I don’t see any value in keeping him. He’s washed. Maybe a 4th rounder like Rattler or Cameron Ward for Washington State
mitch is signed thru 2025
bringing back mason is a qb move
I do feel that they’ll make a play for Fields if he comes available
but do not see them paying up for cousins given his age and injury last year
Dear God, the names mentioned here. Does anyone actually watch college football?
Rattler? JJ?
Even Pennix
None of these guys are going to be the cure for the Steelers
I have to believe that if Rudolph gets a strong offer with the idea of competing for a starting job, he’ll leave. The young man has continually been lied to here so why not?
So I’m counting on Pickett and a couple of career back ups to be on hand
I’d love to see Cousins or Wilson come aboard and would hope they stay away from Fields. We’ve seen he’s of the run-first persuasion and sure gets hurt a lot. No thanks
Fields is only making a couple bucks, and while the 5th year option may be pretty hefty in 2025, it’d essentially be a 2 year, low-risk pickup
Mason I think will be looking for a 3 year deal in the 6-10 mil AAV range
While the Steelers competition with Kenny is intriguing, don’t expect any sort of discount to stay home , when there’s teams like Rams, Jets , Giants, Redskins (and potentially Vikings & Bears) as potential suitors
If he’s smart, he looks to places he can compete for a starting spot. There are plenty. The Vikes if Cousins goes. Denver. Washington. Indy. Others
Can’t imagine a hometown discount when he’s been lied to repeatedly and overlooked but money talks
I get the Fields comment. To me, he’s a bigger version of Slash.
As for drafting again, if the Steelers really think they’re close with the offensive weapons, I don’t understand how they’d go this route. There’s no CJ Stroud here. No Herbert. No one who looks like he could jump in immediately
But all of this is nonsense, isn’t it? They’re going to go with Pickett again. The new OC had better be a miracle worker
im a firm believer that OCMC was at least 78% of the problem
guess we’ll find out
I agree maybe even a bit higher
Oh you can F right off. Done with this team.
Bye.
Don’t feel the need to tell everyone. We won’t miss you.
It’s gonna be just what I have been saying they will bring in an OC & he will want one of his guys to come in that knows his system to be the backup to Kenny. If Pickett falls on his face the OC will then say hey I tried it with your guy it didn’t work now let me get a guy I want to be the starter whether it’s from another team or draft.
2 questions now 1. Who is gonna be the OC & with Austin’s contract up does he come back as DC ???
A QB competition? When you let three nothings compete you still end up with nothing.
Never underestimate the skill of the NFLs marketing “spin doctors”. This will be presented as a once in a lifetime “pay-per-view” extravaganza that no fan will want to miss.
They’ve been lucky in avoiding Hard Knocks appearances for years. If that show is coming back, I can already envision network wonks seeing a “QB competition” (lol) interspersed with the miscellaneous ramblings of a couple wideouts and a running back who came from a structured, title-winning program to one where organized chaos seems to be the formula. Imagine the ratings
Honestly, much of the behind the scenes drama that is shielded from public view would be far more entertaining as a program than what occurs on the playing field.
On the bright side, I can prepare myself not to expect anymore Super Bowl wins in the near future, so no need to get upset when we keep falling in the playoffs…if we get that far. But hey, some fans are content to show off the “no losing season” streak as the best thing our franchise can now produce. Whee?
I listen to a lot of NY sports radio & it’s crazy to me on how the hosts been killing the Cowboys for not firing McCarthy but then kiss the ground Tomlin walks on.
I can’t believe the Steeler fans that have the same feelings towards Tomlin. For the life of me I can’t understand the kool aid all these ppl drink when it comes to the guy.
Now I really don’t care if he is back or he isn’t back
I am gonna root for the Steelers just as hard as I ever have because that’s what I do & nobody ever said I was the smartest guy.
I am hoping though he can find an OC that is gonna take this offense to a level it hasn’t been in years.
The one thing I Wil say in Tomlin’s defense on the offensive side of the ball it seems he has always had guys forced on him. They were never his hires. I know he catches it bad in the Canada situation but I really believe that was Dan Rooney Jr’s guy not Mike’s and Art finally said enough is enough.
When you finish school you’ll hopefully learn enough not to be mystified that everyone with a clue disagrees with you bit if not hopefully you’ll at least figure out that you aren’t the smartest person in the world or anything close.
Some fans are content being happy with their entertainment choices.
But not you. You’re committed to being angry, blaming everyone else for not listening to your extensive knowledge about how to win in the NFL.
Do you think you get a prize for being a sports realist or insulting the team you think you’re a fan of?
The culture is actually damn bad
Drafting a bad QB from a local school just to bump attendance after Covid was an incredibly bad decision by the owners just like keeping Ben for 3 years too long was a bad decision.
Between the two choices we added half a dozen years to the rebuild.
You know, I applauded the choice after having watched Pickett progress at Pitt. But after 23 starts, I was wrong. There’s a huge difference between college ball in the ACC and pro. Don’t think the pick was meant as a feel-good gesture but unless the new OC is a miracle maker, sure seems like a huge mistake
I disagree with it being a bad pick because they got Pickens round 2
if they took Pickens r1 and Kenny r2 , the cattle would be happy
makes no difference to me, and I still have no major issue with Kenny and think he can develop into a baker Mayfield replica.
biggest issue at QB was Mitch Trubisky being allowed anywhere near an actual football
If Kenny Pickett turns into Geno Smith I would be fine with that Shane Waldron is available
Not sure what the cattle comment means or what you are alluding to with the Pickett-Pickens idea. No one had Pickett above the 3rd round and Pickens was looked upon as a risky pick
No matter
I hope you’re right although I’m no fan of Mayfield
Mason Rudolph looked like a gamer to me in the last three regular season games and the playoffs. The biggest reason for the loss to the Bills was the absence of TJ Watt who is the motor of the Pittsburgh defense.
If Pittsburgh doesn’t sign Rudolph, someone else will and will have a very decent mid-tier QB at bargain wages (with lots of salary cap for good OL, RB and even a WR).
I don’t know I liked Mason coming out the draft but he hasn’t showed me anything spectacular and neither has Kenny yet. Funny how both have winning records.
Right wrong or indifferent i don’t know what Pickett is yet. People can say oh it’s 23-24 games we know what we got but I don’t agree. But I kinda don’t disagree either.
The reality is he is here for 4 years so whether anybody likes it or not he is getting his shot with a new OC & I am fine with that
Just like I am not a Tomlin fan but I am ok with him coming back because there is a lot of talent on this team and they are either gonna turn it around or fall on their face so they both deserve the opportunity to prove themselves.
We were not a Super Bowl contender this year actually fell into the playoffs so another Khan/Weidle draft and see where it takes us kinda have no choice really or it’s just high blood pressure & aggravation
Defense is not in a rebuild mode and the offense has a lot of young talent that are bout to come into the years they joule be figuring it out
Bills were a better team & even having TJ was not changing the outcome of that game
“I don’t know I liked Mason coming out the draft but he hasn’t showed me anything spectacular and neither has Kenny yet. Funny how both have winning records.”
Funny how a team with mediocre at best QB play AND a lousy coach can consistently win. Must be the dumbest of luck. The Steelers must have been Mother Theresa in a past life of something.
I liked Mason until he tied the Lions, then I pretty much gave up on him. Perhaps too soon, but…while I’m not writing it off, not sold on that yet, at all.
I liked Kenny until he kept missing open receivers by miles, which can’t be blamed on his admittedly awful OC.
If the plan is to bring them both back, they need to draft a raw (PHYSICALLY talented) QB late. Get one more iron in the fire, give yourself a chance to find a long term option without using another high pick.
I think that is when I was out on Rudolph too now that you say that & I have not given up on Kenny just yet because not to beat a dead horse but he doesn’t turn the ball over & he has been a terrific 4th Quarter QB. So I think he deserves a shot with a new OC.
This team was a mess this year I don’t care what anybody says . And they are not superbowl contenders nor should they be looked at like that next year. I mean damn can we at least get a playoff win before the parade is routed.
If they go QB in the draft I understand Kenny was a Colbert pick Wirdle/Khan & new OC might like a guy so I would be fine with it. But if they wanna give Kenny another chance I am fine with that too
It’s not the worse thing in the world to go 6-10 last time we did that we got Ben in the draft.
But if they do make the playoffs & I don’t care how win the division or sneak in they need to win a playoff game
Pickett has not been a tremendous 4th quarter QB. Such low standards for the fans and such high ones for the non favorites.
Rudolph has had a rough ride since being drafted. Roethlisberger singlehandedly led a veterans’ movement against him and promised to never give him the slightest bit of help or advice. Not exactly a welcoming atmosphere.
Then Rudolph didn’t shine straight out of the gate. He’s one of those QB’s who need a bit more time to get used to the complexity of the NFL game. Based on his recent play, there’s good reason to suspect that those years in the NFL have helped Rudolph round the rough edges. Rudolph will never be Justin Herbert or Tom Brady but he has a good chance of being a very good quarterback. And he doesn’t cost a king’s ransom or multiple first round draft choices.
Pickett will get there eventually too, though some time on the sidelines to mature would do Pickett a world of good too.
Both of them looked significantly better than Mitch Trubisky (#1 overall pick, marginal starter). Rudolph and Pickett are both young guys still with lots of potential. Rudolph evaluated out as a $35 million/year QB over the three games he played this season (small sample size but perpsective.
I’m sold on Mason.
his timing was off in that Lions game way back in 2021, but was making good reads that game. just a case of coming in cold for a spot start.
I think Rudolph looked excellent at the end of this year with room to grow if they bring him back.
definitely risky, but he showed he learned a lot since we’ve last seen him , the way he would stand tall in the pocket, knew where he needed to get it , but more importantly knew when it wasn’t there.
showed a very high IQ out there and was much different from when plays would completely unravel under Kenny and mitch
What’s funny is the fact that people point to that Lions game in the muck as being some validation that Rudolph was a bum. That team only grew into one helluva group under Campbell.
I don’t see the insult of that tie as much as I do the loss to the Patriots or Cardinals this year
The list of available QB’s that Sam provides in the article isn’t very promising. A great deal of guys who aren’t much better than what’s here. Again, Cousins or Wilson could make this offense go
Given today’s presser however, it would appear that the position will look a lot like it has when they get rolling next year.
lol.. Buffalo was on 9 backups and you scored 17. Pitt did not deserve to be there as you had to rely on teams losing to barely back in.
Bring back Tomlin.. ensure mediocrity. Dumb.
Mason Rudolph is terrible
Don’t you mean stubby?
It would be interesting to ask Tomlin what he thinks is wrong with the Steelers. Would he say the QB position or something else?
The old saying – if you have two QBs, it means you have none….
OK, let’s say you are tired (for some reason) of hearing about never having a losing season and .500 isn’t good enough for your standards.
Ten 10 win seasons (most of them with 16 game schedules).
The idea that this is mediocre is just mathematically flawed.
our standard, like every other team is playoff success.
we also know that Tomlin is given more resources than other coaches: top FO, spend to the cap every year, had a HOF QB for most of that time period
Ok we all know right now because it’s beaten to death that Tomlin has never had a losing season.
Let me ask this
How many coaches still have a job after 7 years with no playoff wins ?
And please don’t tell me about how he at least got us to the playoffs. I am sorry getting into the playoffs when you have to rely on another team to lose is not getting you there. That is falling into the playoffs.
I understand every team has down years but 8-8 & 9-7 is no different to me than having a losing season.
7 years is a long rebuild and I don’t want to hear about his rosters because he is the first guy come draft day to announce to the world how he gets to shop for his own groceries. So he has a hand print on the roster people will complain about.
Now I am not saying I wanted Tomlin fired I really don’t care if he is the coach or someone else comes in. I am invested in the team not the coach not the players not the owner.
But this narrative that Tomlin is the greatest coach to ever happen to Steeler fans and we should throw roses at his feet is insane.
Ppl wanna say oh but he kept AB & Lev Bell in line
Did he ???
Or was there leadership in that locker room that told them guys this is how we do it here because to me once that leadership started to leave is when guys like that started acting up
I put a lot of this on Ben too. He was the last remaining and the most important position in the team and his leadership to the young guys sucked.
All he ever cared about and still cares about is himself
What has he done to earn an extension. Coaches get fired every year for failing to win he gets rewarded. Rooney rule at work