ORCHARD PARK, NY — Mike Tomlin didn't wait to hear the rest of the question.
After losing to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round Monday evening, the Pittsburgh Steelers coach walked off the podium in the visitors interview room at Highmark Stadium when he was asked a question that began, «Mike, you have a year left on your contract.»
Though he is under contract through the 2024 season, Tomlin's future with the organization after an NFL-record 17 consecutive non-losing seasons as the head coach has been the subject of rampant speculation.
As he has done at the conclusion of previous seasons, Tomlin, 51, is expected to discuss his future with his family and Steelers owner Art Rooney II as the organization enters the offseason.
Tomlin, so often a coach defined by his carefully chosen words, didn't offer any to address the rumors. His players, though, had plenty.
«That's above my pay grade,» defensive back Patrick Peterson said, answering a question about the uncertainty of the Steelers' offseason. «I know I love it here. I love Coach T, everything he's done to motivate this team and put us in a position to be successful. There's no doubt in my mind he's the guy for the job.»
Veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, who battled through groin injuries in his 13th NFL season, also advocated for Tomlin's return.
«I feel like Mike T's going to be back, but that's not my decision,» Heyward said. «I'm not going to speak for him. I just know — I think the group here collectively is a strong group that can win a Super Bowl.»
Asked about Tomlin's role in guiding the Steelers to the playoffs, Heyward added, «We put so much into it, he put so much into it, and I just think every player in there wouldn't be anything without Mike
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