Report: Tomlin tells Steelers he’ll return
Mike Tomlin reportedly told Steelers players and coaches Tuesday that he plans to coach the team in 2024, a day after he walked out of a news conference when asked about his contract.
Tomlin, who is planning to enter his 18th season in charge of the Steelers, has a year left on his contract. Also, contract extension talks reportedly could intensify this offseason.
Tomlin’s message comes less than 24 hours after the Steelers were eliminated in a wildcard round loss to the Bills. After the game, Tomlin was asked about him having only one year left on his contract, but he walked off as the reporter was in the middle of the question. NFL Media also reported Tomlin will meet with the media later this week.
Tomlin has enjoyed sustained success in 17 seasons with the Steelers, most notably never having notched a losing regularseason record. Since taking over the headcoaching duties in 2007, Tomlin is 173-100-2 in the regular season with 11 playoff appearances, two Super Bowl berths and one Super Bowl title.
The Steelers have lost their past four playoff games, however, with the franchise’s last postseason win coming in the 2016 divisional round. Frustration has boiled over, with running back Najee Harris saying after Monday’s loss that there needs to be inhouse changes to the team for the group to succeed.
Injury news
Niners running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice after recovering from a right calf injury as the team prepares for a divisional round showdown with the Packers. McCaffrey was a full participant in the session and is full speed ahead for Saturday, according to coach Kyle Shanahan.
♦ Ravens tight end Mark Andrews participated in his second practice since being designated to return off injured reserve, giving the team increased hope that he could play in the postseason. He suffered a major left ankle injury on Nov. 16 against the Bengals.
♦ Rams tight end Tyler Higbee sustained a torn ACL from a hit he took in the fourth quarter against the Lions.
Falcons interview Harbaugh
The Falcons interviewed Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh on Tuesday night. Harbaugh interviewed with the Chargers on Monday.
The Falcons interviewed former Patriots coach Bill Belichick on Monday.
Saints fire OC Carmichael
The Saints fired offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. along with senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell and receivers coach Kodi Burns. The Saints ranked ninth in scoring with 23.6 points per game, 14th overall in yards per game with 337.2 and tied for sixth for fewest offensive turnovers with 18.
This and that
Eagles star center Jason Kelce told teammates he intends to retire after 13 NFL seasons. Kelce, whose decision has not yet been made public, was in tears throughout the end of the wild-card loss to the Buccaneers.
♦ Seahawks general manager John Schneider says for the first time in his career he will have authority over both the team’s coaching staff and all football personnel matters.
♦ The Bills released running back Leonard Fournette from the practice squad.