Mike Tomlin says there will be competition for Kenny Pickett at quarterback and anticipates signing an extension with the Steelers.
After losing to the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs three days prior, Mike Tomlin was much happier on Thursday.
The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed questions regarding his contract status as he smiled to start his season-ending news conference. Subsequently, he informed the media that he intended to sign a contract extension to extend his stay in Pittsburgh beyond the 2024 season. His current contract expires after that. He also anticipates that Kenny Pickett will continue to face competition at quarterback in the upcoming campaign.
The news of his anticipated return validates stories from earlier this week that Tomlin assured players he would remain with the Steelers, putting an end to rumors that, after spending 17 seasons with the team, he was considering leaving.
Tomlin began his remarks on Thursday by jokingly acknowledging his Monday walkout from the news conference. The question of Tomlin’s contract status was raised then, following Pittsburgh’s season-ending 31-17 defeat to the Buffalo Bills. Before the reporter had a chance to ask her question, he turned away from the podium and left the room.
On Thursday, his tone was very different.
“Good afternoon,” said Tomlin. I feel a little better now. Do you have any questions about contracts?
Next, Tomlin spoke directly to the walkout.
“Let me say this,” Tomlin said. “I could have handled that situation more skillfully than I did. However, I will add this. All things have their proper time and place, in my opinion. Contract disputes and other such matters are probably best left for press conferences held after games. It’s just a very personal matter.
“I doubt any of us are thinking like that on game day. Of course I’m not. I’m just not in that frame of mind to put in the kind of focus that’s needed to accomplish what it is that we do. Furthermore, I don’t think that’s the right place to discuss matters of that kind.”
Regarding that contract, Tomlin plans to negotiate an extension with Steelers owner Art Rooney II.
“Yes, I expect to be back and I’d imagine that those contract things are going to run their course,” said Tomlin. “I have an excellent, open relationship with Art. We speak with each other frequently and continuously. I don’t think there will be a problem.
“I think it will be completed on schedule and in a timely manner. Of course, my attitude is to coach this football team.
Tomlin’s contract extension is reportedly something Rooney confirmed.
It’s unclear who Pittsburgh will have as their offensive coordinator for the upcoming campaign.
According to Tomlin, the Steelers plan to hire a new offensive coordinator from outside the organization; they are looking for someone with prior coordinator experience. He doesn’t think Eddie Faulkner, the temporary offensive coordinator, or quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan of the Steelers will be elevated to that role. The Steelers fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada in the middle of the season, and Faulkner took over.
And who on the field will be in charge of the offense? That’s also not entirely clear. Late in the season, Mason Rudolph relieved an injured Pickett, and when Pickett was able to play in the playoffs, Rudolph continued to be Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback. The Steelers won 3-0 under Rudolph’s direction to clinch the AFC’s final postseason spot.
Rudolph’s offseason will see him become a free agent. After being chosen in the first round of the 2022 draft, Pickett signed a four-year, $14 million contract, of which he will return in the third year.
Pickett is going to start at number one. But heading into the 2024 season, Tomlin anticipates competition for Pickett, whether it comes from Rudolph, Mitchell Trubisky, or another player.
“He will,” Tomlin said of Pickett, who was ranked as the top quarterback coming into the offseason. “But there’ll be rivalry. I’m thrilled to work with him going forward and grateful for his efforts and current situation. However, going forward, he will undoubtedly face competition from that side.
“I believe that rivalry is healthy. It benefits us all, in my opinion. I believe it brings out our best qualities in everyone.”
