MIKE TOMLIN is expected to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 19th season – and dropped a hint about his future quarterback.
The Steelers ended the season in miserable fashion, losing four straight to end the year before being dominated by the Baltimore Ravens in the wildcard round.
At one point in the season the Steelers had been 10-3 but there were already questions at QB.
Justin Fields began the year as the starter but was benched – despite a 4-2 record – after throwing just five touchdowns in those six games.
Veteran Russell Wilson, 36, came in and while he had some good games and limited turnovers, he is not the explosive force he once was.
There had been rumors that other teams would be interested in trading for Tomlin but it appears both he and the owning Rooney family have no interest in a change of scenery.
The Rooneys also historically stick by their coaches even in less than stellar years.
Tomlin will be heading into his 19th season, previous coach Bill Cowher was in charge for 15 years and Chuck Noll lasted 23 years.
Despite the Steelers struggling to make deep playoff runs in recent years, he has never posted a season under .500.
Parts of Steeler nation are frustrated but he has only missed the playoffs six times and has a regular season win percentage of 63%.
Tomlin said: “I don’t make excuses for failure.
“I own it, but I also feel like I’m capable and so as long as I’m afforded an opportunity to do that, I will continue, but I certainly understand their frustrations and probably more importantly than that, I share it because that’s how I’m wired.”
However, Tomlin met with GM Omar Khan on Monday and did hint that there will be organizational changes.
Despite Russell Wilson stating he wanted to stay on with the team, both he and Justin Fields are out of contract.
It remains to be seen whether they will be re-signed.
Tomlin added: “We don’t have a quarterback under contract.
“We are certainly open to considering those guys, but we have a lot of work ahead of us.”
The Steelers will have the 21st pick in the draft but none of Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders or Jalen Milroe will be available that low.
NFL division round schedule
Sat 18 Jan, 4.30 pm ET (ESPN/ABC) – Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
Sat 18 Jan, 8 pm ET (Fox) – Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions
Sun 19 Jan, 3 pm ET (NBC) – Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles
Sun 19 Jan, 6.30 pm ET (CBS) – Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
The Steelers could trade up, although that is not their style.
Tomlin was also asked if he thinks the team should tank to secure a top draft pick, but disagreed with the sentiment.
“Lamar [Jackson] wasn’t taken at the top of the draft,” he said.
“[Jalen] Hurts wasn’t taken in the first round. So I don’t know that I necessarily agree with the question.”
