History of Mike Tomlin in Timeline

Mike Tomlin is an American football coach who served as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007 to 2025. He holds the NFL record for consecutive non-losing seasons, achieving this feat throughout his 19-year tenure. By the time of his resignation, he was the longest-tenured head coach across the major North American sports leagues, marking a significant era for the Steelers and professional football.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 15, 1972: Michael Tomlin's Birth

On March 15, 1972, Michael Pettaway Tomlin was born in Hampton, Virginia.

1990: Graduation from High School

In 1990, Tomlin graduated from Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia.

1994: All-Yankee Conference Selection

In 1994, Tomlin was a second-team All-Yankee Conference selection as a wide receiver at the College of William and Mary.

1995: Start of Coaching Career

In 1995, Tomlin's coaching career began as the wide receiver coach at Virginia Military Institute under head coach Bill Stewart.

1996: Graduate Assistant at University of Memphis

In 1996, Tomlin spent the season as a graduate assistant at the University of Memphis, working with defensive backs and special teams.

1997: Defensive Backs Coach at Arkansas State University

In 1997, Tomlin was hired by Arkansas State University to coach its defensive backs, staying there for two seasons.

2001: Hired as Defensive Backs Coach for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 2001, Tomlin was hired as the defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under head coach Tony Dungy.

2002: Buccaneers Lead NFL in Total Defense

In 2002, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Tomlin as the defensive backs coach, led the NFL in total defense (fewest yards allowed per game).

January 2003: Super Bowl XXXVII Win

In January 2003, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won Super Bowl XXXVII, recording a Super Bowl-record five interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns. Tomlin was the defensive backs coach.

2005: Buccaneers Again Lead NFL in Total Defense

In 2005, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers again led the NFL in total defense while Tomlin was the defensive backs coach.

2006: Defensive Coordinator for Vikings

In 2006, Tomlin was selected by Vikings' head coach Brad Childress to be his defensive coordinator.

2006: Vikings Defense Performance

In 2006, the Vikings, with Tomlin as defensive coordinator, finished with the NFL's eighth-best overall defense, ranking first against the run but last against the pass.

January 27, 2007: Hired as Head Coach of Pittsburgh Steelers

On January 27, 2007, Tomlin was hired as the 16th head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, replacing Bill Cowher.

2007: First Season as Steelers Head Coach

In 2007, Tomlin's first year as Steelers head coach, the team finished with the top-ranked defense in the NFL and won the AFC North Division with a 10–6 record, narrowly losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

2008: AFC Championship and Super Bowl Berth

In 2008, Tomlin led the Steelers to the Super Bowl after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, becoming the youngest NFL head coach to do so at the time.

January 29, 2009: Named NFL Coach of the Year

On January 29, 2009, Tomlin was named the 2008 Motorola NFL Coach of the Year.

July 13, 2010: Contract Extension with Steelers

On July 13, 2010, Tomlin signed a three-year contract extension with the Steelers.

November 13, 2011: 50th Win as Steelers Head Coach

On November 13, 2011, Tomlin achieved his 50th win as the Steelers' head coach with a 24–17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

January 2012: Death of Tomlin's Father

In January 2012, Ed Tomlin, Mike Tomlin's father, died at the age of 63 from a heart attack in Ocala, Florida. Ed played football at Hampton Institute and in the Canadian Football League.

July 24, 2012: Contract Extension

On July 24, 2012, Tomlin received a three-year contract extension through the 2016 season.

November 28, 2013: Thanksgiving Day Controversy

On November 28, 2013, during a Thanksgiving Day game against the Baltimore Ravens, Tomlin was involved in a controversy for appearing to interfere with a kick return, leading to criticism and an NFL investigation.

December 4, 2013: NFL Fines Tomlin

On December 4, 2013, the NFL fined Tomlin $100,000 for his interference during the Thanksgiving Day game. There was a consideration of stripping the Steelers of draft picks.

2014: AFC North Champions

In the 2014 season, Tomlin led the Steelers to an 11–5 record and the AFC North title. It marked the birth of the Killer B's era.

2015: Steelers Postseason Appearance

In the 2015 season, Tomlin led the Steelers to a 10–6 record and a postseason berth, where they narrowly beat the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card Round before losing to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round.

2016: Steelers Make AFC Championship Game

In the 2016 season, Tomlin guided the Steelers to an 11-5 record and an AFC North title, reaching the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 2010, where they lost to the New England Patriots.

2017: Another AFC North Title

In 2017, Tomlin and the Steelers achieved a 13–3 record and won the AFC North, but lost in the Divisional Round of the playoffs to the Jaguars.

2019: Injury-Plagued Season

In 2019, the Steelers, under Tomlin, faced a season with multiple quarterback changes and injuries, finishing with an 8-8 record after losing starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger early in the season.

February 17, 2020: Tomlin Defends Rudolph on ESPN

On February 17, 2020, Tomlin appeared on ESPN to defend Mason Rudolph against accusations of using a racial slur, following an incident in November 2019 involving Myles Garrett.

November 6, 2020: NFL Fines Tomlin for Mask Violation

On November 6, 2020, Mike Tomlin was fined US$100,000 by the NFL for not properly wearing a face mask during a Week 8 game, as mandated for coaches due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 20, 2021: Tomlin Signs Contract Extension

On April 20, 2021, Mike Tomlin signed a three-year contract extension to continue as the Steelers' head coach through 2024.

June 10, 2024: Tomlin Signs Contract Extension Through 2027

On June 10, 2024, Mike Tomlin signed a three-year contract extension to remain the Steelers' head coach through the 2027 season, securing his position as the second-longest tenured Steelers head coach behind Chuck Noll.

January 2025: Steelers Decline Trade Offers for Tomlin

In January 2025, following the 2024 season, the Steelers declined to trade Mike Tomlin to the Chicago Bears, despite criticism for lack of recent postseason success.