Steelers sign Mike Tomlin to contract extension

First Ben Roethlisberger, then Cameron Heyward and now Mike Tomlin. The Steelers have been methodical about their contract extensions this offseason and now on the tail end of the summer vacation before training camp begins they announce an extension for head coach Mike Tomlin.

Tomlin will be the Steelers coach through at least the 2018 season. The Pittsburgh Steelers have had sixteen total head coaches in their franchise existence. Thirteen of them all coached prior to 1969 when Chuck Noll was hired. The Steelers could be the only NFL team with a half-century’s worth of coaching stability if Tomlin stays on passed the 2018 season.

Mike Tomlin is only 43 years old, entering his ninth season as the Steelers head coach. He was the youngest head coach in NFL history to both coach and win a Super Bowl when the Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.

In his eight seasons as the Steelers’ head coach he has never posted a losing record, leading the team to an 82-46 (.641) regular-season record. He’s led the Steelers to four AFC North titles, five playoff appearances and two Super Bowl berths. There’s no mistaking he’s got the full confidence of ownership.

"“I am pleased to announce we have extended Mike Tomlin’s contract through the 2018 season. Mike has proven he is one of the top head coaches in the National Football League, and we are confident he will continue to lead the team in our pursuit of another Super Bowl championship.” – Steelers President Art Rooney II"

There’s no denying Tomlin has proven himself to be one of the top coaches in the NFL. He’s still a polarizing figure among Steelers fans, due to the faction of fans who still contend that Tomlin was “handed” a championship team from Cowher and has achieved nothing noteworthy on his own.

Then there are the rest of us who know a thing or two about football and realize that there’s more to coaching than putting on a headset with an already-stacked roster. Tomlin is the man for Pittsburgh and the team is lucky to have the coaching stability it has.

"“I very much appreciate this contract extension, but my sole focus has been and will continue to be meeting the challenges that lie ahead for the 2015 season. These past nine years in Pittsburgh have been a wonderful experience for my family, and I look forward to pursuing what is the Steelers’ goal every year – bringing another Super Bowl championship to the City of Pittsburgh.” – Mike Tomlin"

What do you think of the Steelers extending Mike Tomlin, Steeler Nation?

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