The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a brutal loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football, which meant that the head coach, Mike Tomlin, would face many tough questions in the following days.
Usually, though, the questions revolve around the game plan or the players’ performances during the game. However, one reporter took a very different route.
Before the game, former wide receiver Antonio Brown tweeted, “Offer still out there to come back and play for the Steelers for free to finish the season.”
The reporter questioned if Tomlin would be taking Brown’s offer under any serious consideration.
Tomlin offered the perfect response to the question by not saying a single word and immediately walking straight out of the press conference.
The moment has since gone viral, and Brown reposted it on X.
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— AB (@AB84) November 22, 2024
For anyone thinking that the question wasn’t the smartest thing to ask, you’d probably be right.
Brown is 36 years old and hasn’t played a snap in the NFL since 2021 when he recorded 42 receptions for 545 yards and four touchdowns for the Buccaneers.
That’s also the same season he infamously started stripping off his gear and eventually running off the field in the middle of a game, and that isn’t the kind of behavior Tomlin needs on his team right now.
Mike Tomlin Will Likely Still Keep His Streak Alive
Since becoming the head coach of the Steelers in 2007, Tomlin has had one of the most impressive runs ever.
In his full 17 years, he has never finished the season below 500. There have been some close calls, though, as he’s finished 8-8 thrice.
Even after the loss to the Browns, Tomlin and his Steelers sit at 8-3, with a very low chance of dipping below the .500 mark.
How Much Does Coach Mike Tomlin Earn? Inside His $30 Million Pittsburgh Steelers Contract
When it comes to NFL coaching royalty, Mike Tomlin is right up there with the best of them. For over 17 seasons, he’s been the steady hand guiding the Pittsburgh Steelers—breaking records, winning games, and earning a reputation as one of the sharpest minds in football. Oh, and let’s not forget: he’s never had a losing season. Ever.
But how much does Tomlin actually make for all that success? Spoiler alert: it’s a lot. From his $12.5 million annual salary to a net worth that’s climbed to $30 million, Tomlin is cashing in on being one of the best in the business. Let’s break it all down—because, honestly, this guy’s career and paycheck are worth talking about.
Mike Tomlin’s Salary: $12.5 Million a Year
Mike Tomlin earns $12.5 million annually coaching the Pittsburgh Steelers, placing him among the NFL’s highest-paid head coaches. In June 2024, the Steelers extended Tomlin’s contract through 2027, securing his leadership for three more seasons. The deal is worth $37.5 million over that span, reflecting his status as one of the league’s top coaches.
This latest deal represents a significant leap from Tomlin’s early days with the team. When he first joined Pittsburgh, his annual salary was $2.5 million—solid for a first-time head coach but modest compared to his current earnings. Today, he ranks fifth among active coaches in terms of salary, trailing only Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs), Jim Harbaugh (Los Angeles Chargers), Sean Payton (Denver Broncos), and Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams).
Mike Tomlin’s Career Achievements: Super Bowls and Records
Tomlin’s resume speaks for itself. He has been the head coach of the Steelers for 17 seasons, leading the team to two Super Bowl appearances.
Super Bowl XLIII (2008): Tomlin guided the Steelers to a thrilling 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, claiming his first championship ring.
Super Bowl XLV (2010): The Steelers made it back to the big game but fell short against the Green Bay Packers, losing 25-31.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin looks on before a game (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Tomlin’s overall playoff record stands at 8-10, and he has led Pittsburgh to the postseason 11 times—a testament to his consistency in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.
Perhaps his most impressive feat is his streak of never having a losing season. In 17 years, Tomlin has maintained a .500 record or better, an unparalleled achievement in modern NFL coaching. His overall record of 178-102-2 makes him the winningest coach in Steelers history and places him 12th on the all-time wins list for NFL head coaches.
Net Worth: $30 Million and Counting
Mike Tomlin’s net worth is estimated at $30 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The bulk of his fortune comes from his lucrative contracts with the Steelers. However, Tomlin’s widespread popularity in Pittsburgh and beyond has opened the door to endorsement deals, adding to his wealth.
With his coaching career far from over—he’s still relatively young at 52—Tomlin has plenty of time to add to his earnings and his legacy.
Why Tomlin’s Salary Is Worth Every Penny
Tomlin’s annual $12.5 million salary isn’t just a number—it reflects his unmatched consistency and impact. In a league where turnover is rampant, Tomlin’s stability and success are rare. He has become synonymous with Steelers football, maintaining a culture of excellence and discipline while adapting to the ever-changing NFL landscape.
As the Steelers prepare for the future with Tomlin at the helm through at least 2027, his legacy—and his bank account—will only continue to grow.