Coach Swap? NFL Owner Jokes About The Possibility After Mike Tomlin Steps Away From The Steelers
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti was flabbergasted to find out Mike Tomlin stepped down as the Steelers head coach during a Tuesday press conference.
“Holy sh*t!” Bisciotti exclaimed when a reporter asked if Tomlin would be a candidate in Baltimore. “Would that be awesome? Only if John takes the Pittsburgh job. Wow, wouldn’t that be interesting?”
Two rival coaches switching positions? That wild thought is technically a possibility now that Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons with the Steelers Tuesday. John Harbaugh parted ways with the Ravens a week ago after 18 seasons, seemingly at the hands of Tomlin, whose team got the best of Baltimore in their storied rivalry after the Ravens’ kicker missed the game-winning field goal.
“I don’t know, that thing last week, maybe disqualified him from my opening,” Bisciotti said jokingly in regards to the Ravens losing to the Steelers.
The two coaches came into the season as the NFL’s most tenured leaders. Now they are both out of the league.
“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Tomlin said in a statement. “This organization has been a huge 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 thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful. I want to also thank Steeler Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special.”
Pittsburgh will hire only its fourth head coach since 1969. Before Tomlin was hired in 2007, Bill Cowher led the Steelers from 1992 to 2006, taking over for Chuck Noll.
Tomlin led the Steelers to a Super Bowl in 2009, marking the sixth championship for the franchise.
“During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our Head Coach,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement. “Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years. It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin. He guided the franchise to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career.”
Tomlin’s next moves are unclear. NFL insider Josina Anderson reported Tomlin has indicated wanting to coach in warmer environments than the Steel City. The Super Bowl-winning coach would also be welcome on television as an analyst if he chooses that route.
Whatever direction Tomlin goes, the 53-year-old will be sought after. Tomlin leaves Pittsburgh as a winner, never recording a losing season.
“His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated,” Rooney II said.
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