Mike Tomlin, the longest-serving head coach in major American professional sports, has resigned as coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after another early playoff exit.
The announcement came the day after his 19th season with Pittsburgh, but he was a relative unknown when he was hired in early 2007 to replace Bill Cowher.
After Tomlin won one Super Bowl and the next in his first four seasons in Pittsburgh, the club settled into a pattern of steady, if not always great play, followed by a cameo in the playoffs that ended in a blowout loss for the Steelers.
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Houston Texans defeated Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs
“We deeply appreciate the trust and support of Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Dan Rooney,” Tomlin said in a statement released by the team. “I would also like to thank our players for giving their all every day, and our coaches and staff whose dedication and dedication have made this journey so meaningful.”
Art Rooney II, who replaced his Hall of Fame father as team president in 2003, praised Tomlin’s dedication to the franchise and his uncanny ability to produce a competitive team year after year.
“I am extremely grateful to Mike for all of the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the past 19 years. It is difficult to express in words my respect and gratitude for Coach Tomlin,” Rooney said in a statement.
“He led the franchise to its sixth Super Bowl championship and reached the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times during his career. His 19-year undefeated streak will likely never be duplicated.”
Tomlin, 53, won 193 regular season games with Pittsburgh, tying him with Hall of Famer Chuck Noll for the most wins in franchise history.
But when it came to the playoffs, their resumes were different.
The Nolls won four Super Bowls in the 1970s, but Tomlin went just 8-12 in the postseason, losing each of his last seven playoff games by double digits.
The final game occurred on Monday night, and the AFC North champions squandered early momentum with a 30-6 loss to Houston, the most lopsided home playoff loss in team history.
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Tomlin said the NFL needs to do more to attract more head coaches from minority backgrounds.
Tomlin has two years left on his 2024 contract extension, with the club retaining an option for 2027.
His departure leaves the Steelers searching for a head coach for only the third time since hiring Noll in 1969.
Watch every game of the NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl I from Levi’s Stadium live on Sky Sports NFL
