Steelers owner makes Mike Tomlin statement as | NFL News

Art Rooney II has confirmed Mike Tomlin’s position is secure regardless of a refrain of fan criticism and a disappointing AFC North monitor report. Despite stress for change on the management helm, Rooney II stays resolute in his help for Tomlin, who’s been entrenched with the Steelers since 2007 – saying that he is set to guide the crew by the 2025 season joined by Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin.

Despite a less-than-stellar playoff efficiency, which noticed the Steelers bested by the Baltimore Ravens 28-14 earlier this month, Rooney II is able to afford his coach more time. The franchise owner backed his stance on Monday, explaining: “When you look at how many games Mike (Tomlin) has won in this league you don’t win that many games if you aren’t a good coach.

“I do know he’s pissed off like all of us are in phrases of taking that subsequent step however we nonetheless be ok with him being our chief and nonetheless suppose he has the strengths that he at all times have had to have the ability to lead a crew. When you’ve got a good coach, you simply attempt to keep building with him.”

Early season expectations soared as Tomlin pushed the Steelers to a 4-2 start utilising Justin Fields, later shifting gears to Russell Wilson. However, the team’s fortunes reversed during a four-game slump to conclude the regular season, resulting in a respectable yet unsatisfactory second place in the league with a 10-7 finish.

Despite the Steelers’ Super Bowl aspirations being dashed by the Ravens in the Wild Card Round, team owner Rooney II has expressed unwavering confidence in head coach Tomlin. As per Athlon Sports, Rooney II said: “Yeah, I imply, look, it is truthful to query that after shedding 5 in a row, however you understand, after I discuss to the gamers, I believe the gamers nonetheless wanna play for Mike. And, so, I’m not involved about his message or that sort of an problem.”

He further dismissed concerns about Tomlin’s leadership affecting the team’s performance, adding: “I simply do not see that holding us back. I do not suppose that is our downside,” highlighting the decision to award Tomlin a three-year contract extension last year as proof of the franchise’s faith in him.

However, the sentiment isn’t shared by certain Steelers fans, with some expressing their frustration on social media platforms, reports the Mirror US. One fan lamented: “Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney II are actively killing this crew and they’re so delusional and happy with being simply okay that they do not notice it. They’re actually made for one another. They do not take something critically.”

Another called for drastic measures: “This is absurd. Tomlin ought to be fired, a long time in the past,” while a third opined: “Tomlin has been killing this crew for a decade… I used to be yelling this long in the past… group has its head within the sand.” Elsewhere, a fourth said: “They are making excuses to not fire him. They suppose a great QB will change issues. It will not. Tomlin won’t ever win one other SB in Pittsburgh.”

Tomlin began his coaching journey as a wide receivers coach at VMI in 1995, before moving on to Memphis as a graduate assistant the following year. In 1997, he transitioned to Arkansas State, returning to his role as a wide receivers coach, and later became a defensive backs coach.

The 52-year-old had successful stints with Cincinnati and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the same role before being promoted to defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings in 2006. He then joined the Steelers as head coach in 2007.

Despite his last top finish in the AFC North being in the 2020/21 season, Tomlin is hopeful of a turnaround for the team in 2025. The experienced head coach will undoubtedly be aiming for a second Super Bowl ring next season, hoping to emulate his success from Super Bowl XLIII in 2008, where he led the Steelers to a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

As for this year’s tournament, Tomlin will have to observe his rivals and gather insights for the new season, as the Kansas City Chiefs tackle the Philadelphia Eagles come February 9.