Mike Tomlin has never endured a losing season in his 17 years at the helm of the Pittsburgh but it’s currently unclear if he’ll be back for an 18th.
The lost to the Buffalo Bills during Super Wild Card Weekend, which marked the seventh consecutive season in which they failed to win a playoff game. They haven’t been to the AFC Championship Game since 2016, haven’t reached a Super Bowl since 2010 and haven’t won it all since Tomlin captured his lone ring during his second season in 2008.
It’s been a rough stretch for the storied which could result in a regime change as early as this Tomlin is heading into the final year of his contract, but his refusal to answer a question regarding his future during Monday press conference—he walked off before the reporter could finish asking it—has speculation about his potential departure.
Tomlin told players Tuesday that “the speculation about him is unfounded and he plans on coaching the team in 2024,” sources told NFL Media’s Mike But if the do part ways with the 51-year-old, they will find themselves in the rather unfamiliar position of conducting a head coaching search.
Tomlin was just the third coach to take the reins in Pittsburgh since Chuck was hired in 1969. The franchise has plenty of allure, and it should draw heavy interest from some of the top candidates this hiring cycle if the job opens up.
With that in mind, here are the five top head coaching options the could explore this if they choose to move on from Tomlin….
