Mike Tomlin’s contract as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs until 2026. The team has to make a decision by a certain point.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin probably won’t go their separate ways for the time being, even if fans recently expressed their dissatisfaction with the sporting situation. Tomlin’s contract runs through 2026 with a team option for 2027. And that’s an interesting sticking point.
Because the Steelers have to decide by March 1, 2026 whether they will pull this, as “ESPN” reports. If they don’t, Tomlin would be entering his final year of contract next year. As a “lame duck,” so to speak.
A situation that neither the franchise nor the head coach should prefer.
As the report goes on to say, no one at the Steelers or around the NFL assumes that the Steelers will actually fire Tomlin. The franchise uses this measure very sparingly.
The last time they fired a head coach was in 1968.
Steelers: Playoffs are priority
The Steelers are currently 6-6. On Sunday the duel with the Baltimore Ravens (also 6-6) (from 7:00 p.m. in the live ticker) is for first place in the AFC North. Tomlin could continue his almost eerie streak in 2025: In 18 seasons in Pittsburgh, there hasn’t been a negative record under him – although he hasn’t won in the playoffs since 2016.
Which is why quite a few fans want a change in the position of head coach.
The possibility of trading Tomlin is only with his consent due to his no-trade clause. So nothing will happen in the short term.
Both sides are currently far from making a decision anyway. The full concentration is on the hunt for a playoff ticket. It cannot be ruled out that there will be a need for action after the regular season. The Steelers have to make a decision by the beginning of March at the latest.
