SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Tomlin Returns’ Edition

Good Thursday to you Steelers fans.

Despite his hasty exit in the postgame press conference on Monday when asked about his future, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Head Coach Mike Tomlin will indeed return in 2024. Two things… First, this can ALWAYS change. We have no idea if Tomlin has spoken with Art Rooney II and who the hell knows? Maybe he has slightly different plans. Second, I think few of us actually thought that Tomlin wouldn’t be back. Yes, there were moments in 2023 where I wondered if the fire was still there. Was dealing with the constant ups and downs finally taking its toll on the team? In the end though, Tomlin returning for his 18th season should not be a surprise. There is still the matter of his contract however. It was already unusual for him to enter the 2023 season with just one year remaining. It would be downright insane for him to enter 2024 in his final year. Therefore, I expect an announcement of some sort relatively soon about an extension. I do not believe that Tomlin can return with everything ‘status quo’ if you will. The comments by Najee Harris following the game Monday were as damning as any I’ve heard from a player in a long time about Mike Tomlin and the locker room in general. Far be it for me to tell Tomlin how to do anything related to coaching but he has to change. This is not the veteran-rich group he inherited in 2007 and it’s time to lay down some ground rules. If he doesn’t then we (and he) are destined for more of the same.

The Podcast

Our season wrap-up show will air LIVE tonight at 10pmET. That doesn’t mean we won’t be here every week through the offseason because we will, but we’ll put the finishing touches on the 2023 season. There’s a lot to discuss going forward. From Mike Tomlin to the quarterback situation to free agency and much more. Check out the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc tonight!

Cam Heyward

You need a subscription to The Athletic in order to read the article but all fans of football should read it. Cam Heyward put himself through Hell each and every week this season in order to play. He wasn’t even 100% when the season started, had surgery to re-attach his groin muscle and then played in team’s final half of the season including the postseason. Like all of us who get up each day and go to work, Heyward may not deserve the accolades, but I disagree. While he’s paid handsomely for what he does, it still takes a toll.

ARII???

At some point in the next week or so I expect we’ll hear from Team President Art Rooney II. It is my hope that someone asks him about Matt Canada and whether the decision to keep him was the wrong one. Better yet, will someone ask if it was HIS decision – as has been reported often – to bring him back for this past season. I doubt those things will happen but I can hope.

Futures Contracts

The Steelers signed 17 guys to ‘Futures Contracts’ yesterday. Dez Fitzpatrick, Luq Barcoo and Jalen Elliott are among some of the guys who have been on the Practice Squad before. One interesting name is wide receiver Denzel Mims. He was a second round draft pick of the New York Jets in 2020 but has struggled to make it in the NFL.