Stability.
In sports it's something that doesn't come easily.
For the Steelers, it's a staple.
That became evident again today when Coach Mike Tomlin was signed to a one-year extension, keeping him through at least the 2021 season.
"I am pleased to announce we have extended Mike Tomlin's contract through the 2021 season," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "Mike is one of the most successful head coaches in the National Football League, and we are confident in his leadership to continue to lead our team as we pursue our goal of winning another championship."
Tomlin, who was hired on January 22, 2007, will be entering his 13th season as the Steelers head coach. He is only the third coach the team has had since 1969, joining Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher on that exclusive list.
"I am very appreciative of this contract extension and opportunity and want to thank Art Rooney II and everyone in the organization for the support in my first 12 seasons," said Tomlin. "We have a goal of winning the organization's seventh Super Bowl championship, and I couldn't be more excited about this upcoming season."
Tomlin, 47, has guided the Steelers to two Super Bowl appearances. He became the youngest coach in NFL history to not only lead his team to the Super Bowl, but also win it when the Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23, in Super Bowl XLIII.
"Mike's track record as far as I am concerned speaks for itself," said Rooney during an interview on SNR. "He is one of the best coaches in the league. We're just happy to have him on board. Happy he is on our side of the field.
"There are a lot of assets Mike brings to his job. Certainly his energy, his passion for the game. He is a football lover. He eats, sleeps and breaths it. He loves the game of football and is probably one of the hardest working people I have been around."
The Steelers have won six AFC North Division titles under Tomlin. Under his guidance the Steelers have made the playoffs eight times and played in the Super Bowl twice, Super Bowl XLIII and Super Bowl XLV.
In the regular season Tomlin has led the Steelers to a 125-66-1 record in 12 seasons, reaching 100 career wins in the fewest games (157) in team history and the best start by a coach in team history. He joined Noll and Cowher as the third coach in Steelers history to reach 100 regular season wins, and the Steelers became the first franchise in NFL history to have three different head coaches reach that 100-win milestone. He also became the eighth head coach in NFL history to win 100 games (regular season) in their first 10 seasons.
Tomlin and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger have set a Steelers record with 115 regular season wins, the most ever by a head coach-quarterback combination in team history. They broke the record set by Chuck Noll and Terry Bradshaw. The 115 wins are the fourth-most by a head coach-quarterback duo in the NFL.
