Every NFL offseason, there’s a faction of Steelers fans linking Mike Tomlin to an exit. And like clockwork, Tomlin ends up quashing these rumors before making his return next season.
Mike Tomlin Shuts Down Trade Rumors in Steelers Exit Interviews
The Steelers head coach was put through some intense questioning regarding a possible exit from the organization. One of the reporters spoke about the possibility of the 52-year-old getting traded from Pittsburgh.
His response was short and succinct, killing any conversation about that possibility: “I have no message. Save your time.”
Mike Tomlin was asked what his message to teams would be that might reach out to acquire him via a trade: “I have no message. Save your time.” #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/3dhP9FaWKB
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) January 14, 2025
This is pretty much in the same vein as last year following their playoff loss to the Bills in the Wild Card round when Tomlin walked out of the media briefing area the very moment he was asked about his future with Pittsburgh.
Tomlin faced more heat in this year’s exit interviews than he’s done in the recent past. The Steelers have failed to put together a consistent offense, especially in playoff settings.
They’ve also conceded four touchdowns or more in each of their last three playoff appearances. This has led to more scrutiny, and Tomlin acknowledged this in his exit interview:
“I have no response to that. I understand the nature of what it is that we do. The attention and criticism that comes with that. As a matter of fact, I embrace it. I enjoy the urgency that comes with what I do and what we do. I don’t make excuses for failure. I own it.
“But I also feel like I’m capable. As long as I’m afforded the opportunity to do that, I will continue. But I certainly understand the frustrations, and probably more importantly than that, I share it. Because that’s how I’m wired.”
Having coached the Pittsburgh Steelers for 18 years now, Tomlin has seen everything in the NFL world. The roster, deemed middling since Ben Roethlisberger’s waning years, needs improvements across the board for the Yinzers to get to serious Super Bowl contention.