Despite the Steelers’ struggles offensively for much of the season, Mike Tomlin was able to put together yet another winning season (and playoff appearance) with the Pittsburgh Steelers. And he did all of that with a contract that only ran through the 2024 season.
So, it was totally reasonable for reporters to ask about Tomlin’s contract status following Monday’s wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills. But for Tomlin, he was way too upset to even think about his contract. He walked out of the media room abruptly after that question was asked.
Mike Tomlin, asked about his future after the #Steelers playoff loss, walks off the podium. pic.twitter.com/mHLyivdU0q
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) January 16, 2024
Fast forward to Thursday, and Tomlin had some time to cool down following the loss. He showed up to the Steelers’ season-ending media availability in a noticeably better mood. He even had to poke fun at how he handled the contract question.
Mike Tomlin: "Good afternoon. In a little better mood today, anybody got any contract questions?" pic.twitter.com/gDnIEh5roF
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) January 18, 2024
He arrived to the press conference with a joke ready to go, saying he would be happy to answer any questions about his contract.
To that point, Tomlin was optimistic about getting a contract extension sorted out soon. He said via NBC Sports:
“Yes, I expect to be back. I’d imagine those contract things are gonna run their course. Art and I have a really good, transparent relationship. We communicate continually, often. I don’t Imagine it’s gonna be an issue and I imagine it’s gonna get done in a timely manner at the appropriate time.”
Seems like he’s more than happy to put that postgame walk-off behind him.
