Report: Mike Tomlin confirms he’s returning as Pittsburgh Steelers coach for 2024 season

Despite a first-round exit from the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly won’t be looking for a new head coach this offseason. According to NFL reporter Mike Garafolo, Mike Tomlin addressed the rumors of a potential split with his players on Tuesday, denying their validity.

“In a team meeting today, Mike Tomlin told #Steelers players the speculation about him stepping away is unfounded and he plans on coaching the team in 2024, sources say,” Garafolo shared. “Tomlin, who is entering the final year of his contract, is expected to address the media later this week.”

While Tomlin’s never had a losing season while leading the Steelers, the organization hasn’t made it past the Wildcard Round of the NFL Playoffs since 2017. The team saw their season come to an end on Monday with the 31-17 loss at Buffalo in the AFC Wild Card.

Steelers reportedly leave decision in Tomlin’s hands

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that the decision to remain in Pittsburgh would be up to the head coach. The Steelers were not willing to push out the long-time head coach.

“Mike Tomlin is expected to take some time after the season ends to see whether or not he would be willing to step away from the Steelers,” Schefter said on NFL Live. “He’s not getting fired. He’s welcome to stay in Pittsburgh as long as he wants.

“But, people expect him to talk with his family and Arthur Rooney to see if he could conceivably take a break after this year for a year, the way that Sean Payton once did in New Orleans, where he took a break from the Saints and then wound up coaching the Broncos. There’ll be some decisions that Mike Tomlin has to make.”

Tomlin did little to quell concerns that his time with the team might be done after the loss to the Bills. When a reporter brought up the single year he has remaining on his contract, the head coach left the podium before providing a response. Since he wouldn’t respond to the rumors, some of his players stepped up to provide comment. Steelers veteran Cameron Heyward advocated for the head coach to run it back at least one more time.

“I feel like Mike T’s going to be back, but that’s not my decision,” Heyward said. “I’m not going to speak for him. I just know — I think the group here collectively is a strong group that can win a Super Bowl.”