Steelers/NFL
When Mike Tomlin met with Art Rooney II on Tuesday morning, the Pittsburgh Steelers majority owner expected the conversation to be about running it back together in 2026.
“It was his decision,” Rooney said. “I wasn’t shocked but I was not expecting that conversation either…….”I was certainly willing to take another run at it [together] .”
Rooney said he did not try to talk Tomlin out of his decision and Tomlin was steadfast with moving on in what Rooney felt was a “family decision”.
“I did think he was pretty clear about his intention. We had a great conversation and understood where he was,” Rooney said. On why he wasn’t shocked per say, Rooney indicated “I think we all knew we were getting to the end” as the belief inside the organization had been Tomlin would come back from his 20th season and likely walk after 2026.
On a new coach, Rooney said “leadership” is the primary factor when deciding on a coach and he was blunt in that the team will continue to try to win each season.
“Standard is try to compete to win a championship every year. Not sure why you waste a year of your life not trying to contend. Sometimes you have the horses, sometimes you don’t.”
One thing that’s clear is the ability to wow Rooney in the interview room is going to have some weight as the ability to be a CEO similar to Mike Tomlin is likely to outweigh getting the jobs from an X’s and O’s standpoint.
And it’s very premature with local media saying a retread head coach is off the table. If you’re not rebuilding or a reset, a Kevin Stefanski has to be on the table.
As QB questions loom for short and long-term, Rooney stated the obvious in that Aaron Rodgers is likely one-and-done.
“Aaron came here to play with Mike, will affect his decision,” Rooney said.
.
Run it Back or Reset? Everything about the Steelers 2026 Direction comes down to what Mike Tomlin decides to do