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Three days removed from a playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, Mike Tomlin was in considerably better spirits on Thursday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers coach opened his season-ending news conference with a smile and an invitation for questions about his contract status. He then told reporters that he’s staying in Pittsburgh and expects to sign an extension to his contract that’s set to expire after the 2024 season. He also expects continued quarterback competition for Kenny Pickett heading into next season.
The news of his expected return confirms reports from earlier in the week that Tomlin told players he was staying with the Steelers, quelling speculation that he was contemplating leaving after 17 seasons with the franchise.
Tomlin all smiles on heels of Monday walkout
Tomlin opened Thursday with a wry acknowledgement of his news-conference walkout on Monday. Tomlin was asked then about his contract status in the aftermath of Pittsburgh’s season-ending 31-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He turned from the podium and walked out of the room before the reporter could finish her question.
His tone was considerably different on Thursday.
“Good afternoon,” Tomlin said. “In a little better mood today. Anybody got any contract questions?”
Tomlin then addressed the walkout directly.
“I’ll say this,” Tomlin continued. “I certainly could have handled that situation better than I did. But I’ll also say this. I just believe there’s a time and place for everything. Postgame press conferences are probably not the place to address contract issues and things of that nature. It’s just a very individual thing.
“On gameday, I doubt any of us are in that mindset. Certainly, I am not. What’s required to do what it is that we do, the amount of focus pouring into a collective, I’m just not in that mind state. And I just don’t believe that that’s the appropriate venue to talk about things of that nature.”
Mike Tomlin confirmed his intent to remain with the Steelers and welcomed a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-tomlin-expects-to-sign-extension-with-steelers-says-there-will-be-competition-for-kenny-pickett-at-qb-205519162.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-01-18 20:55:19
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