In one of the most chaotic offseasons in recent memory, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a strong move toward regaining some stability.
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the Steelers agreed to a three-year contract extension with head coach Mike Tomlin that runs through 2014. In three years, Tomlin has had three winning seasons, including a Super Bowl title following the 2008 season.
But after an up-and-down 2009 in which the Steelers finished 9-7, speculation began to grow that Pittsburgh may let Tomlin, 38, coach this year without a new contract. He had one year left on his original deal with an additional option year.
Instead, the Steelers stayed true to form by giving their head coach an extension before the previous contract was finished. Tomlin remains just the third Steelers head coach since 1969.
The extension proves the Rooney family remains strongly behind Tomlin, which is an important statement within the organization and in the locker room. Bouchette also reports a deal could be near for Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert, who is entering the final year of his contract. Colbert has led one of the NFL's most consistent front offices for the past decade.
With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's conditional six-game suspension and general uncertainty about the 2010 season, the Steelers have to overcome a lot to get back to championship form. But the proper leadership is in place, and the Steelers are showing their faith by opening their wallets.