A late and unexpected vacancy has spun the NFL's offseason coaching carousel into overdrive.
Mike Tomlin is stepping down from the Pittsburgh Steelers after a 19-year run leading the storied organization, the team announced Tuesday.
Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement that Tomlin informed him of the decision on Tuesday morning.
"Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years," Rooney said. "It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin. … My family and I, and everyone connected to Steelers management, are forever grateful for the passion and dedication Mike Tomlin has devoted to Steelers football."
Tomlin issued his own statement Tuesday, saying: "This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team. ... While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh."
