Mike Tomlin Explains Being 'Comfortable' With Aaron Rodgers Signing Steelers Contract

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin grew convinced about the idea of signing Aaron Rodgers after speaking directly with the veteran quarterback during free agency.

Tomlin said on The Pivot Podcast he wanted to hear from Rodgers about "why does the fire still burn" and what's driving the four-time MVP to compete at this point.

Tomlin concluded he "got real comfortable with his 'why'" and came to believe Rodgers when the QB said he wants to win and help the Steelers' younger players develop.

Rodgers offered his perspective of those conversations during an interview with NFL Network's Kyle Brandt in July. The experienced signal-caller said it "never once felt like I was talking to a coach who might've been talking to me — you know, small talk — but was really wanting to be like, 'When are you coming in?'"

Tomlin's and Rodgers' recounting gives the impression the 41-year-old made up his mind well before he officially agreed to a deal in June. The longer he remained unsigned, with Pittsburgh's interest known, fans wondered whether he was waiting for a better opportunity to emerge. That wasn't the case based on his and Tomlin's remarks.

Time will tell how long the honeymoon phase lasts in the Steel City.

Rodgers was equally sold on the idea of suiting up for the New York Jets ahead of the 2023 season, and head coach Robert Saleh was singing his praises that summer. What unfolded were two years of dysfunction.

It would be a stretch to say Tomlin is on the hot seat because the Steelers simply don't fire head coaches. Should his belief in Rodgers be misplaced, though, a fanbase that's losing faith in the head coach will grow more angry.

Ownership might become similarly frustrated at Tomlin's inability to find a workable solution at quarterback ever since Ben Roethlisberger as well.