Mike Tomlin’s future as the Pittsburgh Steelers coach is uncertain after the franchise’s 31-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Monday’s AFC wild-card game.
Tomlin, who has one year remaining on his contract with Pittsburgh, hasn’t received an extension and ended his 17th season coaching the franchise in Monday’s loss. Although Tomlin made it clear after the game that he isn’t ready to discuss his coaching future in Pittsburgh, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward gave the veteran coach an emphatic stamp of approval.
“Every player wouldn’t be anything without Mike T,” Heyward said, per the team’s website. “This group would not function to even get to a playoff berth without Mike T. He keeps us accountable from top to bottom, and I don’t want to play for any other coach.”
Heyward, who has played in 13 of Tomlin’s 17 years in the Steel City, battled through injuries this season and acknowledged that he needed to “take the offseason to get healthy.” However, as long as the veteran defensive lineman is playing in Pittsburgh, he wants to suit up for Tomlin.
Through 17 seasons, Tomlin has registered a 173-100-2 record in the regular season—with zero losing seasons—and an 8-10 mark in the playoffs. The Steelers have appeared in two Super Bowls, winning once, under Tomlin.
