Rumor: Tomlin Firing? Steelers Have Different Plan

Rumor: Coach Mike Tomlin Firing Not Planned By Baltimore Ravens Rival Pittsburgh Steelers

One aspect of the AFC North that seems about as foundational as anything in the NFL is the stability offered by Baltimore Ravens and coach John Harbaugh and the stability offered by the Pittsburgh Steelers and coach Mike Tomlin.

That status for Harbaugh is inarguable, of course; his Ravens are 11-3 and might be the best team in football.

And as for Tomlin? It sounds like he's staying in 2024.

The Steelers showed something on Saturday in topping the Bengals and in improving to 8-7 on the year. But given the way Steelers ownership operates, that outcome isn't serving as some sort of fulcrum point.

According to one report, the Steelers were already taking action inside the building that would indicate they are deciding that he will be back. ... and, we should add - because Tomlin has enough skins on the wall to have a voice here - we assume he wants back in as well.

Pro Football Talk reports that Tomlin has recently been involved in roster discussions for 2024 and '25.

"A lot of noise on the outside, (but) inside, it's business as usual for the Pittsburgh Steelers," Mike Florio reported on Saturday evening. "They have no desire to make a change at coach and they have no reason to believe that Tomlin wants to go. They actually would like to extend his contract which runs through the 2024 season. They would like to get that done before next season begins."

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There are Steelers fans who might find this less than pleasing. There are also Tomlin fans - and friends, including former Steelers players - who think he'd be best-served by crafting for himself an exit and a fresh start.

Tomlin has never had a losing season in Pittsburgh. That's 17 years of consistency, highlighted by a Super Bowl title in 2008. He ranks first in franchise history in wins and third in playoff wins all-time. ... and if the reports are right - even though this year's Steelers may or may not be playoff-bound - he's going to take another crack at it all even after 2023.