ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 15: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Mike Tomlin has quickly made a decision on his future with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one day after their postseason exit at the hands of the Buffalo Bills.

Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Tomlin told his players in a meeting that he plans to return as head coach in 2024. The future Hall of Famer has one year left in his contract and told the team that rumors about him voluntarily walking away are “unfounded.”

 

Tomlin abruptly left his post-game press conference with the media when a reporter brought up his contract status. We now understand exactly why he did that, since we know for sure that Tomlin is returning in 2024.

With Bill Belichick leaving the New England Patriots last week, Tomlin is now the longest-tenured active NFL head coach. He has been HC of the Steelers since 2007, and the club hasn’t had a single losing season under his watch.

 

The Steelers reeled off three straight wins with third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph to sneak into the postseason for the third time in four years. They were little match for the surging Buffalo Bills, however, as the home team cruised to a 31-17 victory.

The 51-year-old Tomlin has taken Pittsburgh to the postseason in 11 of his 17 seasons on the job, leading them to two AFC Championships (2008 and 2010) and a Super Bowl 45 title. Tomlin is 173-100-2 as the Steelers’ head coach.