Report: Steelers won’t fire Mike Tomlin, face decision on contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t ready to break from tradition.

Head coach Mike Tomlin will not be fired despite growing criticism, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday.

However, the Steelers must decide on a contract option until March 1, 2027, Schefter reported. Otherwise, Tomlin’s deal is set to expire after next season.

Tomlin has been on the job since 2007 and led Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl title in his first season. The Steelers haven’t fired a coach in 82 years.

However, Tomlin has faced increasing heat as the Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016, a stretch that includes five losses and two missed postseasons, despite a streak of 18 straight non-losing seasons.

Recently, Steelers icons Ben Roethlisberger and James Harrison suggested it might be time for the team to part ways with the 53-year-old Tomlin.

The Steelers are known for giving coaches long runways. Chuck Noel coached the team from 1969-1991 before retiring while Bill Kuhr was at the helm from 1992-2006 before stepping down. Tomlin replaces Cowher.

Audible chants of “Fire Tomlin” could be heard from Steelers fans during Sunday’s 26-7 home loss to the Buffalo Bills that dropped Pittsburgh to 6-6.

“I share their frustration tonight. We didn’t do enough. That’s just the reality of it,” Tomlin said. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Christopher Carter after the game.

The Steelers are still tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC North lead. The two teams square off Sunday, but patience is growing thin in the Steel City.

– With files from The Associated Press