Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK
Unlike the many NFL coaches on the hot seat, when it comes to job security, Mike Tomlin seems safe heading into next season as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. And why shouldn’t he be? Incredibly, the 17th-year head coach has never led the Steelers to a single losing season.
Sure, that 2008 Super Bowl champion roster is long gone, but the Steelers are never a ‘bad’ team, not under Coach Tomlin. Yet, the Steelers, who hit a rough patch from Weeks 11-15, losing four of five games, have turned things back around and are once again fighting for a playoff spot heading into Week 18.
Looking back, it’s hard to fathom, but there were several rumors suggesting either Tomlin or the Steelers could want to break up this offseason. Now, that no longer seems to be the case.
To some, like Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, the idea of Tomlin being in any danger of losing his job is completely asinine. Well, actually, he called it “nonsense,” with a few other colorful words sprinkled in.
“The media is so dumb. Why do we do the media? Bunch of jackasses. Just out here f—ing talking nonsense. One of the best coaches the NFL has ever even seen, about to possibly get his 17th consecutive non losing season.”
Travis Kelce on Mike Tomlin
In some ways, Kelce is part of that media troupe, with his own podcast shared with his older brother Jason Kelce, which is where these comments were made. Yet, you won’t find the Kelces throwing any shade toward Tomlin.
One of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL today, Tomlin may not have Pittsburgh performing as the class of the AFC, but when considering the alternative of picking highly each year, the Steelers are doing just fine.
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