Career Timeline of Mike Tomlin: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mike Tomlin made an impact.

Mike Tomlin is the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2007. He has achieved remarkable success, leading the team to 12 playoff appearances, seven division titles, three AFC Championship Games, and two Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl XLIII. At 36, he was the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl. Tomlin holds the record for 18 consecutive non-losing seasons to begin a coaching career. Following Bill Belichick's departure, Tomlin became the NFL's longest-tenured active head coach, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the league.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1935: Joe Bach Hired as Head Coach

In 1935, Joe Bach was hired as the head coach of the Steelers at age 34, following a historical pattern of hiring head coaches in their 30s.

1937: Johnny "Blood" McNally Hired as Head Coach

In 1937, Johnny "Blood" McNally was hired as the head coach of the Steelers at age 33, continuing a trend of hiring young coaches.

1939: Walt Kiesling Hired as Head Coach

In 1939, Walt Kiesling was hired as the head coach of the Steelers at age 35, sustaining a trend of hiring coaches in their 30s.

1941: Aldo Donelli Hired as Head Coach

In 1941, Aldo Donelli became the head coach of the Steelers at age 33, keeping the tradition of hiring head coaches in their 30s.

1945: Jim Leonard Hired as Head Coach

In 1945, Jim Leonard became the head coach of the Steelers at 35, following the pattern of hiring head coaches in their 30s.

1948: John Michelosen Hired as Head Coach

In 1948, John Michelosen was hired as the head coach of the Steelers at age 32, maintaining a trend of younger head coaches.

1966: Bill Austin Hired as Head Coach

In 1966, Bill Austin was hired as the head coach of the Steelers at age 38, part of a trend of hiring head coaches in their 30s.

1969: Chuck Noll Hired as Head Coach

In 1969, Chuck Noll was hired as the head coach of the Steelers at age 38, continuing a trend of hiring young head coaches.

1992: Cowher Hired as Head Coach

In 1992, Bill Cowher was hired as the head coach of the Steelers at age 34, a trend continued with Tomlin's hiring.

1995: Began Coaching Career at Virginia Military Institute

In 1995, Mike Tomlin started his coaching career as the wide receiver coach at Virginia Military Institute, marking his entry into the world of professional coaching.

1996: Graduate Assistant at the University of Memphis

In 1996, Mike Tomlin served as a graduate assistant at the University of Memphis, where he worked with the defensive backs and special teams, further developing his coaching skills.

1997: Hired by Arkansas State University

In 1997, Mike Tomlin was hired by Arkansas State University to coach its defensive backs, continuing his progression in the coaching profession.

2001: Hired as Defensive Backs Coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 2001, Mike Tomlin was hired as the defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under head coach Tony Dungy, marking a significant step in his NFL coaching career.

2002: Buccaneers Led NFL in Total Defense

In 2002, under Tomlin's guidance as the defensive backs coach, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers led the NFL in total defense, showcasing the effectiveness of their defensive strategies.

January 2003: Won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Buccaneers

In January 2003, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Mike Tomlin as their defensive backs coach, won Super Bowl XXXVII, marking a significant achievement in his early coaching career.

2005: Buccaneers Led NFL in Total Defense Again

In 2005, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers again led the NFL in total defense with Mike Tomlin as the defensive backs coach.

2006: Vikings Defensive Coordinator

In 2006, Mike Tomlin served as the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.

2006: Selected as Vikings' Defensive Coordinator

In 2006, Mike Tomlin was selected by Vikings' head coach Brad Childress to be his defensive coordinator, marking a significant step in his coaching career.

2006: Vikings Finished with Eighth-Best Overall Defense

In 2006, as defensive coordinator, Mike Tomlin helped the Vikings finish with the NFL's eighth-best overall defense, showcasing his impact on the team's performance.

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

On January 27, 2007, Mike Tomlin was hired as the 16th head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, succeeding Bill Cowher and marking a major milestone in his coaching career.

2007: Joined the Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2007, Mike Tomlin became the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the beginning of his tenure with the team.

2007: Beginning of Tomlin-Roethlisberger Era

In 2007, Mike Tomlin was hired as head coach for the Steelers, marking the beginning of his tenure with Ben Roethlisberger as quarterback.

2007: First Season as Steelers Head Coach

In 2007, Mike Tomlin's first season as the Steelers' head coach, the team finished with the top-ranked defense in the NFL and won the AFC North Division championship with a 10-6 record.

2008: Led Steelers to Super Bowl

In 2008, Mike Tomlin led the Steelers to the Super Bowl, becoming the youngest NFL head coach to achieve this milestone. He also became the third African-American to coach a team to the Super Bowl.

January 29, 2009: Named 2008 Motorola NFL Coach of the Year

On January 29, 2009, Mike Tomlin was named the 2008 Motorola NFL Coach of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance as the Steelers' head coach.

July 13, 2010: Signed Contract Extension with Steelers

On July 13, 2010, Mike Tomlin signed a three-year contract extension with the Steelers, securing his position as their head coach for the foreseeable future.

2010: First AFC Championship Game Since 2010

In 2016, the Steelers played in their first AFC Championship Game since the 2010 season, marking a return to prominence under Mike Tomlin's leadership.

November 13, 2011: Won 50th Game as Steelers Head Coach

On November 13, 2011, Mike Tomlin achieved his 50th win as the Steelers' head coach, marking a significant milestone in his coaching career with the team.

July 24, 2012: Received Contract Extension

On July 24, 2012, Mike Tomlin received a three-year contract extension through the 2016 season, affirming his continued role as the Steelers' head coach.

2014: Improved Season and AFC North Win

In 2014, Mike Tomlin led the Steelers to an improved season with an 11–5 record and a win in the AFC North, marking a resurgence for the team.

2015: Steelers Qualified for Postseason

In 2015, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers achieved a 10–6 record, qualifying the team for the postseason, demonstrating their competitive edge.

2016: Contract Extension Through 2016

In 2012, Mike Tomlin received a contract extension through the 2016 season.

2016: Steelers Made Significant Improvement

In 2016, Mike Tomlin led the Steelers to a significant improvement with an 11–5 record, winning seven straight games to finish the season and topping the AFC North.

2016: Last AFC Championship Appearance

In 2016, the Steelers made their last AFC Championship appearance under Mike Tomlin's leadership, marking a subsequent period without a post-season victory.

April 20, 2021: Contract Extension Signed

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

2021: Ben Roethlisberger's Final Season

The 2021 season was Ben Roethlisberger's 18th and final season playing as quarterback for the Steelers during Mike Tomlin's tenure as head coach.

February 2022: Roethlisberger Retirement

Ben Roethlisberger retired in February 2022, marking the end of an era with Mike Tomlin as head coach.

December 11, 2022: Tomlin vs. Harbaugh Matchup

On December 11, 2022, the matchup between Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh marked their 32nd head-to-head game, surpassing Curly Lambeau and Steve Owen for the second-most in NFL history.

2023: Longest-Tenured Active Head Coach

Following Bill Belichick's departure in 2023, Mike Tomlin became the NFL's longest-tenured active head coach, demonstrating his enduring presence and stability within the league.

2023: Tomlin's 17th Season

In 2023, Mike Tomlin coached his 17th season with the Steelers, finishing with a 10-7 record.

June 10, 2024: Contract Extension Signed

On June 10, 2024, Mike Tomlin signed a three-year contract extension to remain the Steelers' head coach through the 2027 season.

December 1, 2024: 18th Consecutive Non-Losing Season

On December 1, 2024, Mike Tomlin achieved his 18th consecutive non-losing season with a victory over the Bengals, bringing the Steelers to a 9-3 record.

2024: Criticism for Postseason Performance

Following the 2024 season, Mike Tomlin faced significant criticism for his lack of postseason success since the team's 2016 AFC championship appearance.