Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has meltdown on stage and walks out of live press conference after being asked about NFL future
A former Super Bowl-winning coach cut off a reporter’s question mid-sentence and stormed off a stage after being asked about his NFL future.
There were many things that Mike Tomlin could say on Tuesday following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ disappointing 31-17 road defeat to the Buffalo Bills in an AFC Wild Card game.
Mike Tomlin didn’t want to answer any questions about his future after the Steelers lost to the BillsCredit: Getty
That he remained committed to coaching the Steelers.
That Tomlin was going to do whatever it takes to bring another Super Bowl trophy to one of the league’s legendary franchises.
That the Steelers need to improve this offseason and figure out their confusing quarterback situation, but Tomlin would obviously still be the team’s head coach in 2024.
Instead of answering a simple question about his NFL future, the veteran coach abruptly walked away from a podium and only created more questions about his future.
“Mike, you have a year left on your contract,” said a reporter, beginning to ask a question.
Tomlin didn’t even allow the full query to be asked.
He frowned, turned to the side, and quickly walked away from the media during a postgame press conference.
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Tomlin turns his head and frowns while the question is being asked
Tomlin storms off the stage and heads into Pittsburgh’s locker room
There are seven head coach openings in the NFL and there could be two more.
Pittsburgh and Tomlin have a big decision to make, while Nick Sirianni could be in trouble in Philadelphia after a humbling blowout defeat to Tampa Bay on Tuesday.
Tomlin, 51, has twice made the Super Bowl and won it all in 2009 after replacing Bill Cowher.
But the Steelers have struggled since the peak of the Ben Roethlisberger days.
Pittsburgh was one of the oddest teams in the NFL this season, going 10-7 and making the playoffs, but posting a minus-20 point differential and producing one of the weakest offenses in the league.
“I’m appreciative of the efforts. But it’s not mystical. We didn’t do what was required to win tonight,” Tomlin said before walking off the stage.
He added: “Can’t come into an environment like this with a playoff-caliber team and turn the ball over like that and expect to be competitive.”
Questions have mounted about Tomlin’s future in recent weeks.
The 17-year coach is entering the final season of his contract, which is a rarity for a Steelers franchise normally based around stability.
Kenny Pickett struggled this season at QB and has been a draft disappointment, while Mason Rudolph isn’t viewed as a long-term answer.
