Steelers Ownership Was Reportedly Divided on Mike Tomlin Contract Extension

Though Mike Tomlin has seen nothing but success at the helm of the Steelers, there are still some who run in Pittsburgh circles who have an authentic distaste for his style.

Tomlin now has a one-year extension in place, though that's hardly a vote of confidence from ownership. Therefore, it won't shock many readers to learn that some minority owners within the organization reportedly didn't even want to go that far in endorsing Tomlin.

According to Ed Bouchette of The Athletic, a number of vocal minority owners were adamant in their attempts to sway the controlling Rooney family away from making the call to extend the head coach.

As such, Tomlin will be locked in place through 2021, with a team option available for the following year. Criticize his tenure all you want for featuring dysfunction and a tendency to "play down" to low-quality opponents, but that's the NFL. There will always be divas bubbling to the surface, and the phrase, "Any Given Sunday" wouldn't exist, if not for competitive balance.

The Steelers have always won under Mike Tomlin, more consistently than they ever did under Bill Cowher. The members of ownership who want him canned will likely need a bit more ammunition than simply desire to get that done.