NFL Rumors: Mike Tomlin to Make Decision on Steelers Future After Season Ends

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will make a decision regarding his future with the team as he enters the final year of his contract, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

"I'm told he's going to step back after the season ends, make a decision about his future with his family," Florio said. "He loves the team, he loves the young players that they have there, but after the season he'll huddle with his family and make a decision about his future with the Steelers."

Pittsburgh is set to face off against the Buffalo Bills in the wild card round on Monday.

Tomlin has established himself as one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history, owning a career record of 173-100-2 in the regular season while helping lead Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl victory in the 2008 season. The Steelers have never owned a losing record in any of his 17 years with the team.

If he chooses to leave Pittsburgh, it would likely be a one-sided decision. The Steelers are reportedly intending to offer Tomlin a contract extension before the start of the 2024 season, per Florio.

In an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that he could leave the franchise on his own terms.

"I don't know what Mike Tomlin is gonna do, but I can tell you there are people out there in the league who say that that's potentially an option," Schefter said. "That after the season, maybe he could walk away."

After losing starting quarterback Kenny Pickett to an ankle injury and dropping to 7-7 through Week 15, many suspected that Tomlin's first losing year would be in store. Instead, backup signal-caller Mason Rudolph stepped up admirably and led the Steelers to three consecutive wins to close out the regular season.

If Pittsburgh is unable to overcome Buffalo in Highmark Stadium, the questions surrounding Tomlin's desire to remain with the team will continue to grow louder.