The season is over in Pittsburgh.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has informed the Steelers he plans to retire after 19 years in the Steel City, NFL Networks insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday, according to sources briefed on the situation.
The team later confirmed the news.
“After much thought and consideration, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Tomlin said in a statement Tuesday. “This organization has been a big part of my life for many years and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team. I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also grateful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff who made this journey so meaningful.
“I also want to thank the Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty and high expectations represent what makes this special. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike any other and I will always be proud to have been a steward of this team. While this chapter ends, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change as I am excited and grateful for this organization. for the time I coached in Pittsburgh.”
Tomlin spent 19 seasons with the Steelers, compiling a 193-114-2 regular season record and an 8-12 mark in the playoffs. The 53-year-old never had a losing year, going 8-8 three times in his nearly two-decade career as his smallest dip. Only Hall of Famer Tom Landry has a longer streak (21 seasons) and no other coach has had a longer start to a head coaching career. Tomlin’s 193 wins are tied for ninth most in NFL history.
“During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our head coach,” team president Art Rooney II said in a statement. “Obviously, I’m extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we’ve shared over the last 19 years. It’s hard for me to put into words the respect and gratitude I have for Coach Tomlin. He led the charge to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including an AFC record never won. Losing a season after 19 years will likely never repeat My family and I, and everyone associated with the Steelers board, are forever grateful for Mike Tomlin’s passion and dedication to Steelers football.
After one season as the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator in 2006, Tomlin was tapped to replace Bill Cowher in 2007. He helped the Steelers win their second Super Bowl in four seasons in 2008, in just his second year on the job. Two years later, Pittsburgh made another Super Bowl under Tomlins, but fell to Green Bay.