Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has stayed out of the limelight since hesurprisingly left the teamafter 19 years in charge. But Tomlin broke his silence on leaving the team Thursday, when he was honored for his philanthropic work.
During an appearance at The Ireland Funds Pittsburgh Gala, Tomlin expressed his love for the city and the team, saying he was "here for a long and really good time."
Tomlin appeared at the gala to receive the Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award, which is given "toleaders who have produced successful organizational initiativesin response to a significant contemporary problem," per the Steelers' website.
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The Steelers haveengaged in an active offseasonfollowing Tomlin's resignation. Theteam opted to hireveteran coach Mike McCarthy to replace Tomlin and is once again flirting with Aaron Rodgers on the free-agent market.
In addition to that, the team traded for wideout Michael Pittman, signed running back Rico Dowdle and picked up cornerback Jamel Dean on a three-year deal. All of those moves should make the Steelers even more formidable next season.
As for Tomlin, no one really knows what the future holds for the longtime coach. Notably, Tomlin did not retire from coaching, he merely stepped down. It's possible he eventually decides to return to the NFL after taking a break from coaching.
If that happens, Tomlin should find himself as one of the more desirable head-coaching candidates on the market … though it may take a trade to pry him away from the Steelers depending on how soon the coach wants to return.
Until then, Tomlin can enjoy his time off and reflect fondly on his time with the Steelers. After winning a Super Bowl and never posting a sub-.500 record in 19 seasons, Tomlin has every right to say he had both a good and long time as the team's head coach.