After 19 seasons as the head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin is stepping down.
As reported by Adam Schefter, Tomlin informed the Steelers on Tuesday (Jan. 13) that he's stepping down from his position with the team, just one day after the Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Houston Texans. Tomlin first joined the team as head coach in 2007, succeeding Bill Cowher. Per NBC Sports, sources said that Tomlin is expected not to coach for at least a year, and a network has already approached him with an offer to join as an NFL commentator.
Shortly after the news was announced, Tomlin released a statement.
Steelers president Art Rooney II also released a statement.
"During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our head coach. Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years," Rooney said. "It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin. He guided the franchise to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career. … 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."
The Steelers have only had three head coaches since 1969 and will be seeking a replacement, although Tomlin leaves big shoes to fill thanks to his record of 201-126-2 including the postseason. He was the longest-tenured active coach in the league, and is tied with former Steelers coach Chuck Noll for the ninth most regular-season wins with 193.
Last month, Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey responded to NFL fans calling for Tomlin to be fired and said they were being ridiculous. Me personally, I thought the chants were bullshit,” Ramsey said. “That’s comical in my mind. That’s all I’ll say about that.”