Art Rooney II discusses Tomlin departure, search for new head coach

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (BLACK AND GOLD NATION) – It’s a period of uncertainty for the Pittsburgh Steelers. For the first time since 2007, they will be searching for a new head coach after Mike Tomlin stepped down on Tuesday afternoon.

Steelers owner Art Rooney II spoke to reporters for about 15 minutes on Wednesday, detailing more about Tomlin’s departure as well as the process for finding a new head coach. In fact, Rooney II claims he wanted to bring Tomlin back for his 20th season.

“I was certainly willing to take another run at it next year with Mike, and that’s what I was expecting to talk about yesterday. But obviously, it went in a different direction,” Rooney II said.

The two discussed the topic for approximately 20 minutes, where Rooney II says he didn’t try to convince Tomlin to change his mind.

He added that Tomlin’s decision marked an “emotional day” for the organization due to his leadership and success. Tomlin tied Chuck Noll for the most regular-season wins in franchise history, made two Super Bowl appearances and won Super Bowl XLIII.

However, the back half of Tomlin’s time in Pittsburgh was filled with postseason pitfalls. Tomlin has lost seven consecutive playoff games, which is tied for the most in NFL history.

“I will say that I wasn’t shocked (Tomlin wanted to step down.) But I wasn’t expecting that conversation yesterday, either,” Rooney II said. “When you get to this stage of a career, obviously, he even mentioned it himself, that he was nearer to the end than to the beginning.”

There was some speculation that Tomlin could have tried for a change of scenery this offseason. Instead, he apparently indicated to Rooney II that he didn’t want to coach in the near future.

“I think he wants to spend time with his family and do some of the kinds of things he hasn’t been able to do for the last many, many years,” Rooney II said.

If Tomlin wanted to bolt for a different team this offseason, another franchise would likely have to trade compensation to Pittsburgh since there is a year left on the 53-year-old’s contract.

“If something like that comes up, we’ll deal with it when it comes up, but right now, that doesn’t seem to be on his radar,” Rooney added.

Rooney II opted not to discuss many specifics about Tomlin’s contract or what exactly led to his motivations to step down. Now, Rooney II’s focus shifts toward finding the Steelers’ fourth head coach since 1969.

He and Steelers general manager Omar Khan will lead the coaching search. Rooney II is hoping to have a hire finalized in a few weeks.

However, he openly admitted that he hasn’t identified potential successors over the years due to Tomlin’s sustained success. After 19 consecutive non-losing seasons by Tomlin, Rooney II has to make sure this next hire fits the franchise’s standard of excellence.

“Standard is to try and win a championship every year,” Rooney II said. “Can I sign up for another Chuck Noll, or another Bill Cowher, or another Mike Tomlin? Sure, somebody that we feel fits that mold would be great.”

Rooney II has already been a part of the process in replacing both Noll and Cowher, who are both legendary Super Bowl-winning head coaches.

“I think if I’ve learned anything, it’s to have an open mind,” Rooney II said. You know, we had Mike in for his first interview, certainly wasn’t expecting that he was going to be our next head coach.”

“I think there are a lot of things that go into being a successful head coach. Number one, really, I think in my mind is leadership and really trusting that this person can stand up in front of your team day in and day out and hold their attention and have them motivated to do what they do. That’s the most important.”

Already, the Steelers have requested to interview five candidates. No coaches on Pittsburgh’s current staff are expected to be in consideration for the role.

“I don’t want to sort of put any real parameters around it,” Rooney II said. “We’re going to be an open book in terms of who we look for and the list that we build.”

Keep up to date with Black and Gold Nation for any updates in the Steelers’ coaching search.

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