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Week 18 Stakes Put Mike Tomlin’s Steelers Future Under Fresh Scrutiny

Contract mechanics plus franchise habits point to any move being decided after the season.

Overview

  • A loss to the Ravens would eliminate Pittsburgh from the playoffs, a scenario that has intensified discussion of a potential Tomlin–Steelers split.
  • ESPN reporting notes Tomlin is signed through 2026 with a 2027 club option that must be decided by March 1, reducing the likelihood of an immediate firing.
  • The Steelers’ history of coaching stability—just three head coaches since 1969—suggests any decision will follow organizational precedent.
  • Tomlin’s résumé features 19 consecutive non-losing seasons and more than 200 career wins, but the team has not won a playoff game since 2016.
  • ESPN’s Peter Schrager said major networks would pursue Tomlin for television if he chose to step away from coaching.