Steelers' Cam Heyward on Mike Tomlin Rumors: 'Don't Want to Play for Any Other Coach'

Amid speculation about Mike Tomlin's future with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cameron Heyward doesn't want to think about the possibility of playing for a new head coach.

Speaking to reporters after Monday's playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, Heyward made it clear he doesn't want anyone else coaching the Steelers.

"Every player wouldn't be anything without Mike T," said Heyward. "This group would not function to even get to a playoff berth without Mike T. He keeps us accountable from top to bottom and I don't want to play for any other coach."

Buzz about Tomlin's future has been getting louder recently. It reached a new peak during his postgame press conference on Monday when he walked off the podium as a reporter was asking a question about his contract.

Per ESPN's Brooke Pryor, Tomlin has one year remaining on his current deal and is expected to meet with both his family and Steelers owner Art Rooney II to discuss his future.

On the surface, it would seem obvious for the Steelers to bring Tomlin back. He's been their head coach since 2007, has never had a losing season and just made the playoffs despite issues at quarterback.

But there were indications during the season that Pittsburgh was evolving beyond its traditional way of thinking. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada became the first coach to be fired in-season by the organization since 1941.

The Steelers' recent run of first-round draft picks have been uninspiring. Kenny Pickett (No. 20 in 2022) was healthy enough to play after recovering from an ankle injury, but the offense played better with Mason Rudolph under center.

Najee Harris (No. 24 in 2021) has had three consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 rushing yards to start his career, but he's averaged 3.9 yards per attempt on 834 carries. Devin Bush Jr. (No. 10 in 2019) had his fifth-year option declined and played this season with the Seattle Seahawks.

The likelihood of Tomlin not returning seems low, but anything feels possible now that the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots have moved on from Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick, respectively.