Mike Tomlin recorded his seventh consecutive playoff loss after the Pittsburgh Steelers lost by 30-6 to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round. Rumors of his firing were already flying high during the regular season, and now, after another playoff loss, Tomlin has announced that he is stepping down as the Steelers’ HC.

“#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has informed the team that he plans to step away from coaching, meaning one of the greatest to do it will take a break,” posted Ian Rapoport of NFL Insider on X. “Pittsburgh has a coveted opening.”

While Tomlin has stepped down as the HC, there are a few lingering questions surrounding his contract.

What are Mike Tomlin’s contract details with the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Mike Tomlin signed his fifth contract extension with the Steelers on June 10, 2024. It was a three-year contract, with a team option in 2027. Tomlin had a strict no-trade clause in his contract, making sure the Steelers would not be able to trade him. However, that is out of the question since Tomlin is no longer the HC. His departure from the job as HC keeps the Steelers’ record of not firing an HC since 1968 intact.

How much is Mike Tomlin’s salary as the Steelers’ HC?

Mike Tomlin’s latest contract extension was valued at $50 million. Since it was a three-year contract, his salary roughly comes to $16.5 million per year. In 2007, his yearly salary was $2.5 per year, after he signed a four-year contract, valued at $10 million. In the 2010s, it was $6 million, and then following his contract extension in 2021, it rose to $11.5 million. Thanks to his success as an HC, his salary gradually grew with each contract, helping him build a net worth of $30 million.

What did Art Rooney II say in his statement?

Following Mike Tomlin’s decision to step down as the Steelers’ HC, the President of the franchise, Art Rooney II, has released an official statement.

“During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our Head Coach,” Rooney said. “Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years. It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin. He guided the franchise to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career. His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated. My family and I, and everyone connected to Steelers management, are forever grateful for the passion and dedication Mike Tomlin has devoted to Steelers football.”

What do the Steelers have to pay Mike Tomlin after the exit?

Only one year’s salary was given to Mike Tomlin from the $50 million contract. Tomlin’s contract runs until 2027, so the Steelers will retain his coaching rights. If he were to return to the NFL as an HC, the Steelers could negotiate his contract.

Tomlin’s 19-year journey as the HC of the Steelers saw him win Super Bowl XLIII against the Arizona Cardinals and become the then-youngest HC to win a Super Bowl (36 years and 323 days old). While the record was broken by Sean McVay when he won the Super Bowl with the LA Rams in 2022, Tomlin’s stature as the Steelers’ HC cannot be taunted. He got the franchise 13 playoff nods in 19 seasons, and reached the second position amongst HCs with the most consecutive winning seasons. Although he lost seven consecutive playoff games since 2016, he leaves Pittsburgh as a legend.

“This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team,” Mike Tomlin said. “I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support. I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.”

He further added, “I want to also thank Steelers Nation. Your passion, loyalty, and high expectations represent what makes this franchise truly special. Coaching in Pittsburgh is unlike anywhere else, and I will always take great pride in having been a steward of this team.”

Now, the Steelers will begin their fourth head coach search since 1969.