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Steelers extend Mike Tomlin’s contract through 2018

By Tiffany Oshinsky

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The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Thursday morning that they have extended head coach Mike Tomlin’s contract through the 2018 season.  Contract details have not been released, but Tomlin is expected to be one of the highest paid coaches in the league.  He is the sixth-longest tenured coach in the NFL.

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Tomlin took over the Steelers after Bill Cowher retired following the 2006 season.  During his time in Pittsburgh, he led the team to an 82-46 record, four AFC North titles, two Super Bowl appearances, and one Lombardi Trophy.  In fact, the Steelers’ Super Bowl XLIII victory made Tomlin the youngest coach in NFL history to win the Super Bowl.

Team president Art Rooney II said in a statement released by the team, “Mike has proven he is one of the top head coaches in the National Football League, and we are confident he will continue to lead the team in our pursuit of another Super Bowl championship.”

“I very much appreciate this contract extension, but my sole focus has been and will continue to be meeting the challenges that lie ahead for the 2015 season,” Tomlin said. “I look forward to pursuing what is the Steelers’ goal every year — bringing another Super Bowl championship to the city of Pittsburgh.”

The Steelers organization has a tradition of winning.  Even though they have only had three head coaches in the Super Bowl era, all three have hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.  But lately, Pittsburgh has come up short when it pertains to the postseason.

Back in 2008, the Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals to win the franchise’s 6th Super Bowl, but they failed to make it to the playoffs the following season.  After “a year off,” Pittsburgh made it back to the title game in 2010, but failed to ever take control of the game from the Packers which ultimately resulted in their 31-25 loss.

Since then, the Steelers have made the playoffs twice but have lost in the first round, including a loss at home to the Baltimore Ravens and a loss to Tim Tebow.

So can Tomlin lead the black and gold up the Stairway to Seven?

As long as everyone stays healthy on offense, the Steelers have a double threat with Antonio Brown through the air and LeVeon Bell on the ground, which should frighten teams.  And thanks to Tomlin’s and Pittsburgh’s decision to hire Mike Munchak as their offensive line coach last year, the Steelers line has done a much better job protecting Ben Roethlisberger and opening holes for Bell.

But the real question is how will he manage his defense?  With four key veterans either retiring or being released (Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor, James Harrison, and Brett Keisel) and the greatest defensive coordinator in the history of football joining the staff of the Titans, Tomlin better hope his young studs can step up their game.  Eyes will also be on Keith Butler, who was promoted by Tomlin and the front office to succeed as DC, because if there’s one thing Steelers fans know and love about their team, it’s the dominance of their D.

Fortunately, the extension means fans will continue to see the outspoken coach on the sidelines, which means more amazing wire bites!

Congratulations, Mike Tomlin, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the fans of the black and gold.  Here’s to at least four more seasons of the energetic, enigmatic, and entertaining coach.

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