Mike Tomlin isn’t going anywhere! This week, on Monday, he received an extension from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This contract puts him through the 2027 season. And now, the coach is focused on the team and its future, solving one big problem.

Earlier, during the 2023 season, as the coach was in the last year of his contract, he was persistently asked about his future with the team and his contract extension. But now, as he enters his 18th season with the Steelers, Tomlin seems relaxed and focused, as mentioned by him in a recent presser.

Mike Tomlin reveals the biggest relief after contract extension

After the Steelers’ loss to the Buffalo Bills in the 2023 season in January, Mike Tomlin was asked about his contracts and future with the team. In that postgame press conference, ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor began her question with the statement “Mike you have a year left on your contract …” To which, Tomlin abruptly turned and left the podium, walking out of the room. Now, when he is being extended with the team once again for three years, Tomlin came in front of the media, revealing his thoughts on the contract and future questions.

Regarding his contract extension, Tomlin mentioned that his 3-year extension has solved one big problem, and that is relieving him from answering questions about it. He said, “To be quite honest with you, it just means I don’t have to face questions about it. I’ve seen more days and I’m going to see on this job man. I’m focused on 2024 and have been and that’s my mindset.”

The extension for Mike Tomlin came after a rough season where there were lots of rumors about whether he’d stay with the Steelers. The season was a bit bumpy, with the team losing three games in a row, but then bouncing back with some wins, making it to the playoffs. There were even rumors that Tomlin might take a break from coaching for a year.

These rumors got stronger when he didn’t want to talk about his future after a playoff loss, just walking away from the reporters. However, later on, he did talk about that acting-out incident in another press conference.

HC Mike Tomlin divulges the reason for not discussing contract details at pressers

It was quite obvious for coach Mike Tomlin to be disappointed and frustrated when the team lost their Super Bowl chances last season after an unanticipated comeback. So, when he was asked about his future and contract in a post-game presser following the wild card loss, his immediate reaction was to leave the podium and walk off.

When reporters in another presser revisited the incident asking his take on it, Tomlin replied, “I certainly could have handled that situation better than I did. But I’ll also say this: I just believe there’s a time and place for everything and postgame press conferences are probably not the place to address contract issues and things of that nature. It’s just a very individual thing and on game day, I doubt any of us are in that mindset.”

Nevertheless, during an end-of-season news conference, Tomlin made it clear he wanted to stay with the Steel City and expected to get a contract extension. He addressed the rumors about being burned out and planning to take a year off, saying he never said any of that. Instead, he emphasized his eagerness to keep coaching. Tomlin, additionally, said his drive to coach was even stronger going into his 18th year because his experience has given him greater clarity.

So, it remains to be seen what Tomlin brings this season with his team and new quarterback. Will the updated contract serve as a boost for the HC? Let us know your thoughts below.