Cam Heyward thinks talk of Mike Tomlin not coaching the Steelers is crazy. TJ Watt says it was a big part of his contract talks last season and he won’t play for any other coach. Mike Tomlin isn’t saying anything publicly, but Steelers players say he told them he’s planning to be back on the sidelines with them next season. Tomlin is 173-100-and-2 in the regular season in his 17-year coaching career in Pittsburgh. He is 8-10 in the postseason.
The players cleaned out their lockers at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex yesterday, a day after losing in their AFC Wild Card playoff game at Buffalo.
Heyward says speculation that Mike T won’t be coaching the Steelers is out of bounds.
Heyward also said his own decision on coming back will be dependent on his health after an injury-plagued season. He said his physical problems started on the first day of training camp and he dealt with them all season long. He had groin surgery and missed six games this season, and he’ll be 35 years old when next season begins. But he wants to come back.
TJ Watt dealt with injuries this season too. He missed the playoff game with a sprained MCL in his left knee.
Watt says he has a lot of respect for Cam Heyward after watching his friend and teammate battle his injuries this season.
Watt says he will rest a bit before starting to gear up for next season.
Not only is coach Tomlin entering the final year of his contract, but some of his key players are, too. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson, tight end Pat Freiermuth, and three of the five starting offensive linemen, James Daniels, Mason Cole, and Dan Moore Jr., are all signed for one more year, as is veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson.
The Steelers have thirteen unrestricted free agents, none of whom are considered key starters.
NFL
A day after interviewing former Patriots coach Bill Belicheck, the Atlanta Falcons announced yesterday that they’d also interviewed Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh about becoming their new head coach.
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