This time, Mike Tomlin was ready to answer questions about the contract.
Three days after abruptly leaving a press conference after the Steelers lost to the Bills in the playoffs after hearing a question about his contract situation, Tomlin walked out while acknowledging that he plans to become the team's manager in 2024. I explained the reason.
“I'm in a little bit of a better mood today. Does anyone have any questions about the contract?” Tomlin joked as he began Thursday's press conference. “Let me tell you this: I certainly could have handled the situation better than I did, but I will tell you this: I just believe there is a time and a place for everything. The post-game press conference is probably not the place to talk about contract issues or anything like that. It's very personal and I don't think anyone would have that mindset on game day. Certainly not. ”
There has been speculation in recent weeks about whether Tomlin, who has one year left on his contract, would return to the Steelers, where he has coached since 2007.
The 51-year-old, who led the Steelers to a Super Bowl championship in just his second season, said he has a transparent relationship with owner Art Rooney II and is hopeful of a contract extension. .
“I don't think it will be an issue and I think it will be completed in a timely manner at the appropriate time,” Tomlin said. “But my mindset is definitely to coach this football team.”
Tomlin added that he's not worried about when the expansion will come, but is looking forward to not being asked about it anymore.
“Part of that is reducing the questions you ask about those things,” he said. “But to be honest, that's probably the only level that matters to me. Security is important, but it's not a top priority for me. I've seen a lot. I'm not scared of the job, but… I definitely get fewer questions and things like that at work.”
The Steelers have been consistently competitive under Tomlin, never falling below .500 during his 17 seasons, which included seven district championships and 11 playoff appearances.
But Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since reaching the AFC Championship Game seven years ago.
