Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Signs Two-Year Extension—Now What?

According to reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed head coach Mike Tomlin to a two-year extension that will keep him through at least the 2011-2012 season. The monetary terms are still undisclosed.

Many expected this deal to be executed, as the organizations' philosophy is to sign a coach before he enters his final year of a contract. Tomlin is only the Steelers' third head coach in the past 41 years, so they apparently also believe in the principle of continuity.

Tomlin, 38, has had tremendous success with the team so far. Since taking over in 2007, he has coached them to three consecutive winning seasons. Even more impressive, he was honored as the 2008 NFL Coach of the Year and led the franchise to their sixth Super Bowl victory—becoming the youngest head coach to ever win a championship.

"Mike Tomlin has proven to be one of the top head coaches in the National Football League in a relatively short time," Steelers president Art Rooney II stated. "His unique ability to lead the team and motivate individuals have been key factors in our success over recent years."

Throughout his tenure here, Tomlin has also demonstrated his immense understanding and passion of the game. 

"I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be the head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers," Tomlin said. "I am excited to have the opportunity to live and work in this great city, and to focus on the true matter at hand, which is winning football games and bringing another Super Bowl title to Pittsburgh."

As for the upcoming season, Tomlin will be responsible for rebounding this team from a disappointing 9-7 season last year, including a five-game losing streak. This is the first time a defending Super Bowl champ has failed to reach the playoffs since the Steelers did so themselves in 2006. 

In addition, he will have to handle the team very carefully as they have suffered two major blows over the offseason. Both, Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes, two of the offense's best players, were involved in off-the-field mishaps.

In mid-April, Roethlisberger was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a girl. Subsequently, Roger Goodell suspended the Pro Bowl QB for four to six games for violating the league's personal conduct policy. 

As a result, Holmes, the Super Bowl XLIII MVP, was traded to the New York Jets in exchange for a fifth round draft pick. The Steelers, a prideful franchise known for their discipline, ultimately delivered a bold statement throughout the league by making the move. 

Many believe that these events may significantly impact the organization internally. However, I'm confident that Tomlin can help the club persevere through the adversity and I wish them the best of luck moving forward.