Mike Tomlin isn’t willing to express “confidence” minority hiring will increase in the NFL, and he’s stumping to avoid drastic change to the league’s overtime rules.

While taking his turn of availability for NFL reporters at the league’s annual meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., Tomlin on Monday morning touched on a variety of topics for media that included NFL.com, the Washington Post, Pro Football Network and several other national and local outlets. Among what created the most buzz were his comments about the Rooney Rule and on potential changes to NFL overtime rules.

Tomlin hired Brian Flores to his staff last month, weeks after Flores filed a federal lawsuit against the NFL alleging discrimination and racism in hiring practices for positions such as head coach and general manager. It led to discussions among media and around the league that the NFL should take action to result in those other than white males are in team leadership positions.

“I haven’t been in any discussions and no, I don’t have a level of confidence that would leave me to believe that things are going to be better,” Tomlin said about that, according to the verified Twitter account of a reporter from the Washington Post. “I’m more of a show-me guy as opposed to a guy that sits around and talks about things.”

Asked what needs addressed, Tomlin said, “The hiring itself. I think that we’ve pecked around the entire discussion and subject, and we’ve done a lot of beneficial things. But we’ve got to land the plane. We’ve got to hire capable candidates.”

Full ????: https://t.co/PPvjorZcU7 pic.twitter.com/aVKcdLFFoa

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 28, 2022

Another hot topic in league circles is overtime format, spurred by the Kansas City Chiefs’ win against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs when the Bills never had the opportunity to have possession in overtime.

Some are calling for ensuring each team gets the ball, whereas others want more radical changes such as alternating 2-point conversions or even giving teams the option of what yard-line to start a drive at. Official proposals have been submitted to the league’s competition committee, on which Tomlin sits.

“I certainly sense there’s a desire to do something,” Tomlin told reporters. “Whether or not we can land the plane remains to be seen.”

Tomlin repeatedly told reporters he “doesn’t fear sudden death” and referred to himself as “a traditionalist.” He also prefers that rules don’t differ between the regular season and the playoffs.

“I don’t want to stand in front of my team explaining to them rules at the most critical time,” Tomlin said.

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)