The longest-tenured active NFL Head Coach Mike Tomlin has extended his rein in Pittsburgh after signing a three-year contract extension.
The Pittsburgh Steelers boss has spent a whopping 17 years in 'Steel City', but has no intentions to leave any time soon.
The 52-year-old put pen to paper on a new deal, which will see him through to the end of the 2027 campaign.
Despite a few rumours surrounding his future with the organisation, the news would not have surprised most, as Tomlin is only the third Steelers head coach since 1969, displaying tremendous loyalty.
Tomlin etched his name into the league's history books on a couple of occasions.
He became the youngest NFL Head Coach to win a Super Bowl title in 2009 after he led the 'Rooneymen' to grasp the Lombardi Trophy after their 27-23 victory agaisnt the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XIII, at the age of 36.
However, that achievement was later claimed by LA Rams head coach Sean McVay.
Mind-blowingly, the head coach has managed to achieve a positive record in every one of the 17 seasons he has overseen so far.
Tomlin has certainly delivered magnificent results during his lengthy tenure with the franchise.
He even had to deal with a quarterback limbo between Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky, after Pickett underwent surgery on his ankle following his week 13 injury against the Cardinals.
Despite this, the 52-year-old was able to utilise the bundles of experience he has bagged over the years to steady the ship and guide his team to a 10-7 record.
Overall, the head coach has crafted a staggering record of 173-100-2.
Tomlin's comments
The head coach has echoed his gratitude towards Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II for his faith in him to continue at the helm.
"I am appreciative for this contract extension and thankful for Art Rooney II for his support during my first 17 years in Pittsburgh," Tomlin stated.
Tomlin has secured seven AFC North titles and two trips to the Super Bowl over his lengthy tenure.
He is determined to deliver future success for the 'Steeler Nation' to celebrate.
He commented: "We are continuing to work diligently to get back to where we belong – sustained playoff success with the ultimate goal of winning the franchise's seventh Lombardi Trophy.
"I am very excited to get the 2024 season underway and provide our fans with a memorable year."
In this upcoming 2024 NFL campaign, he will have two main quarterbacks to juggle.
The coach has Seattle Seahawks icon Russell Wilson and former Chicago Bears first-round pick Justin Fields at his disposal.
Both will be competing against each other to grasp that starting spot.
The decision will lie in the hands of Tomlin and his offensive staff.
Art Rooney II's comments
Rooney II sang the praises of Tomlin and his impact on the organisation since he was hired in 2007.
He claimed: "Mike Tomlin's leadership and commitment to the Steelers have been pivotal to our success during his first 17 years as head coach."
The owner also believes that Tomlin is the right man to take the Steelers back to the top of the NFL.
"Extending his contract for three more years reflects our confidence in his ability to guide the team back to winning playoff games and championships, while continuing our tradition of success," Rooney II commented.
The 'Steeler Nation' will be eager to discover whether the organisation made the right decision to back the franchise legend to deliver future success on the field.
