JUST IN: The Steelers’ coach has signed a contract with the team.

After losing to the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs three days prior, Mike Tomlin was much happier on Thursday.

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed inquiries on his contract status as he smiled to start his season-

ending news conference. Subsequently, he informed the media that he intended to negotiate a contract extension to

extend his stay in Pittsburgh beyond the 2024 season. His current deal expires after that. He also anticipates that

Kenny Pickett will continue to have competition at quarterback in the upcoming year.

The announcement of his anticipated return validates stories from earlier this week that Tomlin assured players he

would remain with the Steelers, putting an end to rumors that, after spending 17 seasons with the team, he was

considering leaving.

Tomlin began his remarks on Thursday by jokingly acknowledging his Monday exit from the news conference. The

question of Tomlin’s contract status was raised then, following Pittsburgh’s season-ending 31-17 defeat to the Buffalo

Bills. Before the reporter had a chance to ask her question, he turned away from the podium and left the room.

“Good afternoon,” said Tomlin. I feel a little better now. Do you have any queries about contracts?

Next, Tomlin spoke directly to the walkout.

“Let me say this,” Tomlin said. “I could have handled that circumstance more skillfully than I did. However, I will

add this. All things have their own time and place, in my opinion. Contract disputes and other such matters are

probably best left for news conferences held after games. It’s just a very personal matter.

“I doubt any of us are thinking like that on game day. Of course I’m not. I’m just not in that frame of mind to put in

the kind of focus that’s needed to do what it is that we do. Furthermore, I don’t think that’s the right place to discuss

matters of that kind.”

Regarding that contract, Tomlin plans to negotiate an extension with Steelers owner Art Rooney II.

“Yes, I expect to be back and I’d imagine that those contract things are going to run their course,” stated Tomlin. “I

have an excellent, open relationship with Art. We speak with each other frequently and continuously. I don’t think

there will be a problem.

“I think it will be completed on schedule and in a timely manner. Of course, my attitude is to coach this football squad.

Tomlin’s contract extension is allegedly something Rooney confirmed.