Steelers' Mike Tomlin is facing the most important month of his career
Every game is critical in the NFL, but from here on out, the Pittsburgh Steelers are basically in postseason mode. For the team, they have to treat every game for the rest of the year like it's their last. But the same probably needs to be said for Coach Tomlin when you see what's on […]
Every game is critical in the NFL, but from here on out, the Pittsburgh Steelers are basically in postseason mode.
For the team, they have to treat every game for the rest of the year like it's their last.
But the same probably needs to be said for Coach Tomlin when you see what's on the horizon:
Heading Into His Final Year
Mike Tomlin's contract is up after the 2024 season. Typically, around last summer, the organization extends the HC, giving them a two-year grace period before the next contract kicks in.
But Pittsburgh hasn't done that. When asked about his contract situation in the offseason, coach T said:
"Wow, I hadn't even thought about it," Tomlin told reporters. "I'm at a stage of my career where I don't care about contracts to be honest with you, man. I acknowledge I've seen more days than I'm going to see. You know, that's just the nature of this thing. I'm appreciative of the opportunity. I'm singularly focused. I'm thankful that I'm at a stage in life and my career where that's a non-issue for me."
So whether he was just talking tongue-in-cheek or if he knows the end in Pittsburgh is near, is something we will find out soon enough.
The Steelers' next four games won't be easy. They play four viable playoff contenders via the Colts, Bengals, Seahawks, and Ravens.
But that's the thing about Mike Tomlin and the Steelers, they don't like it easy.
Since taking over as HC, Tomlin led teams having a losing record when they are favorites, yet own a remarkable 64.2% winning percentage as an underdog.
So I'm no oddsmaker, but with a backup QB at the helm, and four teams that are hotter than Pittsburgh, there is a solid chance that the Steelers aren't favored the rest of the way.
We'll see if that plays right into the hand of Mike Tomlin, or is ultimately his undoing in the long run.
