BREAKING NEWS: Steelers Owner Art Rooney II Reaffirms Commitment to Head Coach Mike Tomlin
Pittsburgh, PA — April 15, 2025 — Amid swirling speculation from fans and pundits alike following another early playoff exit, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II has made one thing abundantly clear: Head coach Mike Tomlin is not going anywhere.
In a statement issued Monday, Rooney reaffirmed the franchise’s unwavering commitment to Tomlin, emphasizing the coach’s consistent leadership, ability to develop talent, and his role in maintaining the Steelers’ tradition of stability and long-term success.
“There are no plans to make a change at head coach,” Rooney said. “Mike Tomlin represents the values and vision of the Pittsburgh Steelers. We remain confident in his leadership and direction for this team moving forward.”
Tomlin, who signed a three-year contract extension in June 2024 that keeps him with the franchise through the 2027 season, has been the Steelers’ head coach since 2007. Under his leadership, the team has never experienced a losing season — a remarkable achievement that continues to earn respect across the league, even as fans grow increasingly restless with the team’s lack of deep playoff runs in recent years.
The 2024 season saw the Steelers finish with a 10–7 record, clinching a postseason berth but falling in the Wild Card round to division rival Baltimore Ravens. The loss marked the third straight year Pittsburgh exited the playoffs in the opening round, fueling debate over whether Tomlin’s voice had grown stale in the locker room.
However, Rooney dismissed the notion that Tomlin’s message was losing impact.
“Mike still has the full respect of this organization and the players,” Rooney continued. “We know we have work to do, and that includes evaluating every aspect of the team, from coaching to personnel. But there’s no doubt that Mike is the right person to lead us through that process.”
Tomlin, for his part, has already begun making adjustments as the team looks to improve. Reports indicate he’s been closely involved in offseason evaluations and is spearheading draft preparations. The Steelers are expected to target a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, with growing interest in Colorado star Shedeur Sanders. Tomlin reportedly had a productive meeting with Sanders during a pre-draft visit, and sources say the head coach is intrigued by the young quarterback’s confidence and poise.
The team has also shown interest in strengthening the defensive backfield. In the latest SB Nation Community Mock Draft, the Steelers were projected to select Jahdae Barron, a versatile cornerback from Texas, with the 21st overall pick — a move that would further bolster Tomlin’s defense-first identity.
Despite the frustrations of recent seasons, the Steelers remain one of the NFL’s most stable franchises, due in no small part to their faith in consistent leadership. While many teams cycle through head coaches at the first sign of struggle, Pittsburgh has had just three head coaches since 1969.
As Art Rooney II reiterated on Monday, that legacy of patience and trust is not changing anytime soon.
“Stability is what sets us apart,” Rooney said. “We believe in Mike Tomlin — and we believe in the future we’re building together.”