One thing about the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s an organization that is built on loyalty.
Pittsburgh Steelers team president Art Rooney II told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazettte that the team is going to extend coach Mike Tomlin’s contract.
Tomlin told the team this week that he planned to return. He is entering the final year of his contract and there have been whispers he could leave.
Then, there was the postgame press conference after the Steelers lost to the Buffalo Bills when Tomlin walked out after being asked about his contract.
Related: Where could Tampa Bay Bucs WR Mike Evans end up?
Mike Tomlin has been the coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 16 seasons
Tomlin, 51, has been the Steelers coach since 2007. The team rarely changes coaches, only three since 1968, and that might give the coach some manner of comfort.
But Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016. For a team that rose to prominence in the 1970s, that’s not something the organization is used to.
Related: Three possible landing spots for WR Tee Higgins
The last time the Steelers went that long without winning a playoff game was from 1965-71. Then Chuck Noll’s team began a run that ended with four Super Bowls in six years.
So what will Tomlin have to do to keep his job? Will it be enough to get to the playoffs again? Will it be a playoff win, or does he need wins? Next season will be a big one for Tomlin and the Steelers.