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The NFL world was caught off guard on Tuesday afternoon when longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced he would step down after 19 seasons with the organization, never having recorded a losing season.
However, the Steelers’ last seven postseason appearances ended in first-round losses, and coupled with Tomlin’s desire to step away from coaching—at least temporarily—it seemed like the right time following Monday night’s 30–6 loss to the Houston Texans.
Tomlin’s decision now adds uncertainty around star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh and has been reportedly weighing retirement, despite the team expressing interest in him returning for another season.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Steelers owner Art Rooney II indicated that Tomlin’s departure will likely influence Rodgers’ decision.
“Aaron came here to play for Mike [Tomlin],” Rooney II said. “So it will most likely affect his decision.”
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Rodgers, 42, revealed shortly after signing his one-year deal with the Steelers that this was likely his final season in the NFL, telling The Pat McAfee Show that the one-year contract reflected that mindset.
However, just before the playoffs, Rodgers didn’t change that view, though he hinted that his decision might be more complicated than initially thought—largely because he spent the season proving he can still perform at a very high level.
“I’m not going to make any emotional decisions,” Rodgers said after Monday’s the loss to the Texans. “At this point, obviously such a fun year. A lot of adversity, but a lot of fun. Been a great year overall in my life in the last year, and this is a really good part of that, coming here and being part of this team. So, it’s disappointing to be sitting here with the season over.”
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