The Mike Tomlin era with the Pittsburgh Steelers has come to an end.
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Following the Steelers’ blowout 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans on Monday night, Tomlin stunned the NFL landscape by announcing that he was resigning as head coach. Helming the position for an amazing 19 seasons, Tomlin was the longest-tenured coach in North American professional sports and by far the longest-tenured Black coach in the history of the NFL. At 34, he was also one of the youngest coaches in league history when he was hired.
In a statement released on Tuesday (Jan.13), Tomlin shared that he reached the decision to step down as coach of the Steelers “after much thought and reflection.”
“This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team,” Tomlin’s statement read. “I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.”
The statement continued, “I want to also thank Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team.”
Art Rooney II, owner and team president, added in statement, “It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin. My family and I, and everyone connected to Steelers management, are forever grateful for the passion and dedication Mike Tomlin has devoted to Steelers football.”
Although the Steelers failed to get out of the wild card round of the playoffs since 2016, Tomlin’s resume, which includes a Super Bowl championship in 2009, almost ensures his future induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He posted a 193-114-2 record , tying him with one of his successors, Hall of Famer Chuck Noll, for ninth place in all-time regular-season wins.
With his immense accomplishments as head coach of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, Tomlin is also ultra-successful in the financial department. During a postgame press conference in Oct.2004, Tomlin was asked about his decision to start Russell Wilson instead of Justin Fields as quarterback, which resulted in a victory.
“That’s why I’m well-compensated,” Tomlin responded before ending the press conference. His success garnered him some major coin throughout his tenure.
At the time of his resignation, Tomlin was tied for the third-highest-paid coach in the league, earning $16 million per year, Sports Illustrated reported. Back in June, Tomlin and the Steelers agreed to a three-year contract extension that would run through the 2027 season.
After being hired in 2007, he inked a four-year $10 million ($2.5 million annually), with a team option for a fifth year. He instantly became one of the highest-paid new coaches in the league at the time.
Following a Super Bowl XLIII win, Tomlin signed his first major extension in 2010 with an annual salary climb to an estimated $6 million. In 2021, he signed an extension that paid him $11.5 million annually.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Tomlin made more than $100 million in earnings as head coach. He reportedly has amassed a net worth of $40 million.’
At 53 years old, Tomlin is still young enough to coach another team in the NFL , and his services would be in high demand if choose to return to the sidelines. With his famous one-liners and memorable press conference banter, many believe that Tomlin will transition from the sidelines to a studio, covering the league as a TV analyst.
Whatever he decides to do, Tomlin will bring his signature grit and passion for excellence to his new assignment because “that standard is the standard.” But you can bet that he’ll walk away with a big bag in his next endeavor, and it will be well deserved.
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