Adam Schefter, Senior NFL Insider
The Bears recently called the Steelers to see if they could speak with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin and try to make a trade, but Pittsburgh rejected that inquiry, league sources told ESPN. Ta.
Talks never reached Tomlin, and even if they did, they are unlikely to have been successful. When asked earlier this week about the idea of teams being able to inquire about his availability, when in fact at least one team had already inquired, Tomlin said, “Save me your time.” I answered.
At least one team other than the Bears considered potentially trying to trade Tomlin, but were ultimately informed of a no-trade clause in the Steelers coach’s contract, league sources said. . Officials said the research team immediately stopped its efforts and moved on to the next task.
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Other teams have expressed interest in Tomlin, but the Steelers have not shown any interest in moving on from Tomlin, despite Pittsburgh making the playoffs five years in a row with one-and-done games.
Tomlin signed a three-year contract extension last offseason, making him one of the highest-paid head coaches in the league. After 18 seasons in Pittsburgh, his stay shows no signs of slowing down, despite complaints from the fan base.
“I understand the nature of what we do and the attention and criticism that comes with it,” Tomlin said at Tuesday’s season-ending press conference. “Actually, to be honest, I embrace it. I enjoy the urgency that comes with me and what we do.
“I don’t make excuses for failure. The failure is mine, but I also feel that I’m capable. So as long as I’m given that opportunity, I’ll keep going. But I don’t make excuses for their frustrations. I certainly understand. Perhaps more importantly, that’s how I’m wired, so I’ll share it.”
But in the eyes of some sources, Chicago deserves credit for at least making that decision. The Bears recognized the type of leader and coach Tomlin was and reached out to the Steelers to cover all possibilities.
Even without Tomlin, the Bears are casting a wide net in their search for a head coach.
The Bears already have interim head coach Thomas Brown, former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. , has completed head coaching interviews with Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and former Cowboys head coach. Mike McCarthy, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, former Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, former Stanford head coach David Shaw, former Titans and current Patriots head coach. Mike Vrabel and Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
The Bears also requested interviews with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, and Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich. did.
Since 1969, the Steelers have had only three head coaches: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Tomlin, who will turn 53 in March. Tomlin has never lost a game in Pittsburgh, and with a career record of 183-107-2, he is the second winningest coach in franchise history behind Noll.
