By: Tyler Ward
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that they have signed head coach Mike Tomlin to a two-year extension that ends after the 2012 season. The contract also has an additional option year. He still remains the third coach of the Steelers since 1969, joining Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher.
"I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be the head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers," Tomlin said. "I am excited to have the opportunity to live and work in this great city, and to focus on the true matter at hand, which is winning football games and bringing another Super Bowl title to Pittsburgh."
Tomlin's contract extension was inevitable because he has been very successful since his hiring in early 2007. In the 2008 season, Tomlin led the Steelers to a Super Bowl and became the youngest head coach ever to participate on football's biggest stage. He also became the second African American coach ever to win the big game after the Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23.
In 2009, the Steelers finised 9-7 on the year, and at one point, losing five in a row to miss out on the playoffs. Not to mention, starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has had several off-the-field issues, which has led commisioner Roger Goodell to suspend Big Ben for up to six games this upcoming season. They will have to depend on recently-acquired Byron Leftwich to fill his shoes for the first few games (Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch are also competing for the starting job). Given the circumstances of the situation, the Steelers are due for one roller coaster ride of a season, to say the least.
Full financial terms of the contract hasn't been given to the media, but Tomlin should be scheduled to make more than he did last season, $2.5 million. The owner, Art Rooney II, decided that he deserved the extension and happily told media personnel, "Mike Tomlin has proven to be one of the top head coaches in the National Football League in a relatively short time. His unique ability to lead the team and motivate individuals have been key factors in our success over recent years."
