Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin warms up for a game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will not fire head coach Mike Tomlin this offseason, but his future in the Steel City is anything but certain as the 2025 season draws to a close.

Tomlin still has two years left on his deal, but has a team option for the 2027 season that must be decided upon by March 1st, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The franchise hasn't fired a head coach since 1941 and will not let go of the tenured Tomlin, who has led the team for 19 seasons. He will coach his 20th season with the Steelers in 2026 if Tomlin agrees, but the sticking point about a possible 21st season might spark discussion between the two sides.

While Tomlin has been consistent in his work and kept the Steelers competitive throughout his run as coach, not having a single losing season since taking charge, postseason success has been barren. The Steelers know how to navigate through a perennially tough AFC North division to make it into January, but they've failed to do much when they get there.

The last five playoff trips for Tomlin and the Steelers have all been instant defeats, four of which have come in the wild-card round. Tomlin's previous postseason triumph was almost a decade ago in 2016, when they beat the Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes was still in college) before losing to the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots in the AFC Championship.

Tomlin was hired as a young, 34-year-old head coach and created instant success in a Pittsburgh organization looking to carry on the legacy of Bill Cowher. After getting his feet wet in year one with a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the playoffs, Tomlin spearheaded Pittsburgh's return to the Super Bowl and eventual win over the Arizona Cardinals in one of the most memorable title games of the 21st century.

At that time, a possible dynasty might be brewing under Tomlin's guidance. Instead, the Steelers are 3-10 in the postseason since hoisting the Lombardi in 2009. Tomlin has continued to plug holes and keep the Steelers ship upright even through injury stretches and weaker rosters. Still, it'll be up to the front office to see if holding steady is enough after almost two decades of postseason mediocrity.

While they won't fire Tomlin, there is a possibility of a trade that benefits both sides, but the head coach has a no-trade clause that would make any transfer near impossible.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into their most crucial game of the season this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens, with both teams at 6-6 atop the division. A loss would plummet Pittsburgh's chances at making the playoffs and put in danger Tomlin's streak of .500 or better seasons for the franchise.

Regardless, the March 1st date will loom large for all parties involved, including the fans. What should be a celebration for Tomlin entering his 20th year of leading the Steelers could turn ugly if discussions go awry.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Mike Tomlin’s Steelers Future Suddenly in Serious Doubt

Reporting by Tyler Erzberger, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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