Mike Tomlin's future among many pressing questions as Steelers enter offseason

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — As Mike Tomlin’s postgame news conference was concluding after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 31-17 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, a reporter attempted to ask the 17-year head coach about his contract status.

Tomlin, who has one year left on his deal amid speculation he may take time to contemplate his future, didn’t want to hear it. Before the question could be finished, Tomlin walked off the podium at Highmark Stadium and headed back to his team’s locker room.

“Mike, you have a year left on your contract…”

Mike Tomlin: ???? ✌???? pic.twitter.com/ouAncRXTzy

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 16, 2024

Tomlin’s future with the organization could be the most pressing issue facing the Steelers as they try to rebound from another early playoff exit.

The loss to the Bills in an AFC wild-card matchup Monday marked the fifth consecutive playoff defeat for the Steelers, who last won in the postseason following the 2016 season. After leading the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory in his second season and another appearance in his fourth, Tomlin has gotten the franchise back to one conference championship game, and his playoff record sits at 8-10.

A change at the top would represent a massive shakeup for an organization that has won six championships while employing just three coaches since 1969.

“I don’t really pay attention to what the coaching thing is, but I feel like Mike T is back,” said defensive captain Cameron Heyward, the team’s longest-tenured player. “That’s not my decision. I’m not going to speak for him. Just know the group here collectively is a strong group and can win a Super Bowl.”

Ownership typically has extended the head coach’s contract when two seasons are remaining on the deal. Team president Art Rooney II, however, did not extend Tomlin’s contract last offseason. Tomlin’s future came into question when the Steelers lost three consecutive games in December, including a pair of games to teams with 2-10 records.

But the Steelers, rallying behind third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph, finished the season with three consecutive wins to finish 10-7. It ensured Tomlin of never having a losing season in his 17 years with the Steelers.

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“This group would not function to even get to a playoff game without Mike T,” Heyward said. “I don’t want to play for anyone but Coach T.”

Tomlin’s status isn’t the only one that will be addressed in the offseason. The Steelers will be in the market for an offensive coordinator after Matt Canada was fired in November. Running backs coach Eddie Faulkner was the interim successor, and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan called plays during games.

The offense didn’t begin to mesh until Rudolph took over at quarterback down the stretch. Second-year starter Kenny Pickett injured his ankle in early December and had surgery to shorten his recovery time. By the time he was deemed healthy, Rudolph had replaced an ineffective Mitch Trubisky and led the Steelers to victories against Cincinnati, Seattle and Baltimore.

He threw two touchdown passes Monday against the Bills, but his interception in the second quarter — his first of the season — led to a Buffalo touchdown and a 21-0 deficit.

“There was a sense of camaraderie that came about at the end of the season,” tackle Dan Moore said. “You can feel it by the way we played. I don’t think we showed it to the extent that we wanted to tonight, but we fought like hell.”

Rudolph is the most high-profile free agent on the Steelers’ roster. He was unwanted last spring before signing a one-year deal for the veteran minimum to return for a sixth season. Given the way he flourished at the end of the season, Rudolph could command a bigger deal this offseason.

Pickett’s presence on the roster as a former first-round pick also muddies the waters.

“I have no idea what is going to happen,” Rudolph said. “None of us in there know what is going to happen tomorrow much less next year. I’m still thinking about the game and this loss. It hurts and it stinks.”

Heyward also is at a crossroads. He turns 35 in May and is coming off his 13th NFL season. He is signed for one more season but on a deal that carries a $22.4 million salary cap hit that is the second-largest on the team.

He also is coming off a year in which he missed six games because of a groin injury and admittedly was bothered by another groin ailment.

“In my heart, I want to play,” Heyward said before a long pause.

“But it’s been rough.”