Tomlin extension gets lukewarm reaction from Steelers Nation

By Trib Total Media

Love him or hate him, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin likely will be around at least three more years.

The Steelers and Tomlin agreed to a contract extension Monday that will keep the coach in Pittsburgh through the 2027 season.

Tomlin, 52, is entering his 18th season. He has taken the franchise to two Super Bowls, winning one after the 2008 season. Since 2016, the team has struggled to find success in the playoffs.

Tomlin was hired in 2007 to replace Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher and became the longest-tenured coach with one team when Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots parted ways after the 2023 season. Tomlin also has coached the Steelers longer than anyone aside from Chuck Noll, who guided the franchise for 23 seasons.

But some Steelers fans, citing the team’s less-than-impressive results in the past several years, aren’t pleased that Tomlin will be remaining at the helm for three more seasons.

“Apparently, the organization is pretty satisfied with being mediocre. Based on (Tomlin’s) lack of performance, they’re crazy,” said Keith Mayer of Johnstown as he stopped for a bite Monday afternoon at Sharky’s Cafe in Unity.

Andrew Whitesell of Derry Township, seated a few tables away at Sharky’s, noted Tomlin “hasn’t won any Super Bowls for a while. That’s what everybody likes.”

“Chuck Noll is the only one I liked,” Whitesell’s dining companion, Denise Finley of Derry Township, said of the former Steelers coach who led the team to its first four Super Bowl wins. “It’s not like it was in the ’70s.”

“I personally think it’s a bad idea, but it’s exactly what I expected,” Tim Goswick of Hempfield said of the organization’s continued commitment to Tomlin. “I just would like to see the Steelers go in a different direction.”

Goswick was enjoying a meal at Dino’s Sports Lounge in Unity, while Teresa and Bud Garstecki of Donegal Township were dining nearby.

The Garsteckis said they both are satisfied with Tomlin continuing as head coach, though Teresa had a more positive outlook concerning the contract extension.

“I’m glad to hear it,” she said. “I think he’s been a good coach. He’s good to his guys. I know they haven’t won for a while, but that’s OK. They will.”

Dave Uhring of Unity, who was seated at the bar in Dino’s, joined Mayer in faulting Tomlin for his in-game decisions.

“He always loses that one game per season against a team that is not as good as the Steelers,” Uhring said.

“There are certain livegame situations where his decision-making is just very questionable,” Mayer said.

But Uhring doesn’t necessarily object to Tomlin’s contract extension.

“That’s what you do to secure the morale and the loyalty of the players,” Uhring said. “It provides stability for the organization. He tends to be a good motivator of the players. They could fire him if it turns into a disaster.”

Ed DeMeio of New Kensington said he is not surprised the Rooneys gave Tomlin an extension because they are cheap and don’t want to spend money on getting a different coach.

“Everything they do is cheap,” he said. “I used to watch them as far back as Kordell Stewart. … (Now) if they do good I’ll watch them. If they do bad, I shut them off. I’ve got better stuff to do. I don’t think Tomlin is a good coach.”

Patrice Terrance of Arnold said she is a longtime Steelers fan. She believes Tomlin has had enough chances and is not the coach to restore the team or the town as the City of Champions.

“I came from the generation of the drive for five (Super Bowl rings),” she said. “We were the city of champions. We know what this city can do because we lived it and we were unstoppable. Stanley cups, the Pennant and the Super Bowl. We’d like to see it again, real nostalgic. I’m thinking we really should move on. It’s not even exciting anymore.”

In the sports betting area inside of Live Casino Pittsburgh in Hempfield, visitors had varying opinions on the Steelers’ move.

Sitting in front of the large screen near the bar, Rob Gobert of Brackenridge said he figured Tomlin’s contract would get renewed. But he feels that the Steelers need some sort of change moving forward.

“I’m not sure if it’s a new coach, new talent, or modification of all of the above is the solution,” he said. “I want to see the Steelers get a Super Bowl in my lifetime again.”

Others were more strongly opposed to the renewal.

“I don’t think (renewing Tomlin) is a good idea,” said bartender Tyler Johnston of Latrobe. “There’s no losing season, but that’s still nothing great. The goal’s the Super Bowl. He’s too much of a player’s coach.”

Anthony Steban, also of Latrobe, echoed that sentiment.

“I think he’s a player’s coach. He’s one of the boys,” Steban said. “Tomlin seems to get lost on the sidelines every time we’re down late in a game. I don’t think he’s kept up with how the league has changed.”

Preseason camp opens in July at Saint Vincent College near Latrobe.