Tomlin says quick exit will result in changes
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin held his season-ending news conference Wednesday afternoon and, while he acknowledged change is going to be inevitable, he is not yet ready to determine which members of his coaching staff will return for the 2021 season.
Several of the contracts of Tomlin’s assistant coaches are going to expire soon, and Tomlin said he would make those decisions “rather soon.”
“We haven’t had any of those discussions,” Tomlin said. “Change is a part of our business. I’ll acknowledge the possibility of that.
“We’re just beginning the process of having those types of meetings and discussions that usually produce changes or non-changes. It is that time of the year. I anticipate those discussions happening and happening rather soon as we plot a course to move forward.”
The Steelers suffered a humiliating 48-37 loss to the Browns at Heinz Field in an AFC wild card game Sunday. They were down 28-0 in the first quarter, 35-10 at halftime.
It was their fifth loss in the past six games after starting the season with 11 consecutive victories.
“It’s tough to swallow,” he said. “It’s tough to accept. Coming to grips with that, assessing what transpired, going through the normal things you do at this time of the year, I didn’t anticipate being here in this position.
“I’m disappointed by it. I understand we better make some changes in the things we do and look at every aspect of it — schematics, personnel, our approach to business. I’m committed to that and I’m also committed to not sitting in this position.”
The Steelers are at the beginning stages of what will be a most difficult offseason. They have close to 20 players that are going to become free agents, and they have to make decisions on some older players that still have years left on their contracts.
“I always acknowledge that change is a part of our business, particularly this time of the year, particularly when you experience the type of ending we had,” Tomlin said.
Colbert leaving?
A report from a Detroit radio station said the Detroit Lions were “close” to hiring Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert to take over as the Lions’ new GM. A source told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday that the Lions had yet to seek permission to speak with Colbert about the job. Because Colbert remains under contract with the Steelers, the Lions would have to seek permission first.
Tomlin said he spoke to Colbert on Wednesday and was unaware of the Lions courting him.
“I’ve worked with Kevin for 14 years,” Tomlin said. “We have an awesome working relationship. We communicate every day, multiple times a day. We communicated today. I look forward to beginning this process with him. I know nothing of the rumors you mentioned.”