Mike Tomlin Expects to Return as Steelers' HC in 2024 for Final Year of Contract

Amid speculation about his future with the Pittsburgh Steelers after avoiding a question about his contract following Monday's playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, Mike Tomlin doesn't appear to be going anywhere.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Tomlin said he expects to be with the Steelers in 2024 and the plan is to bring in a new offensive coordinator from outside of the organization.

On Monday, Tomlin walked off the podium as a reporter was asking a question about him entering the final year of his contract next season.

While not knowing for being a comedian in front of reporters, Tomlin did joke about the situation at the start of his press conference on Thursday.

He ended any speculation about his future on Wednesday by informing players he was going to remain in Pittsburgh next season during a team meeting, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

There was nothing to indicate the Steelers were unhappy with the job Tomlin was doing. They're also not an organization that makes panic moves when it comes to their coaching staff.

One of the most shocking moves of the season was Pittsburgh's decision to fire offensive coordinator Matt Canada, if only because it was the first in-season coaching change for the franchise since 1941.

Perhaps the most interesting note from Tomlin, who also said he's open to an extension, is the team plans to bring in competition for Kenny Pickett at quarterback.

It's not a complete surprise because Mason Rudolph kept the starting job even after Pickett was healthy enough to play when he recovered from a sprained ankle.

Pickett, the No. 20 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, has failed to take off through his first two seasons. The 25-year-old has thrown for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 games.

In the wake of Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots parting ways, Tomlin is now the longest-tenured head coach having just completed his 17th season with the Steelers. He owns a 173-100-2 record in 275 games.

The Steelers have made the playoffs in three of the last four years, but they haven't won a postseason game since Jan. 2017 when they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round.