The Chicago Bears are looking for a new head coach after the firing of Matt Eberflus late in the season and reportedly had their sights set on Mike Tomlin.
They team has interviewed several candidates for the vacancy, which they are keen on filling at the soonest. According to ESPN, they were pretty high on Tomlin as they called the Pittsburgh Steelers to find out whether they could talk to him and potentially work out a trade.
The outlet reports that “discussions never made it to Tomlin, nor is it likely they would they have been successful even if they did,” with the Steelers spurning their advances.
Tomlin told reporters to “Save your time” after he was questioned on the possibility of teams making inquiries about his availability during a season-ending press conference earlier this week.
The Steelers are not open to parting ways with their longtime head coach amid interest from other teams, despite him overseeing five consecutive first-round playoff exits. “I don’t make excuses for failure. I own it, but I also feel like I’m capable and so as long as I’m afforded an opportunity to do that, I will continue,” Tomlin said while discussing the frustration coming from the Steelers fan base. “But I certainly understand their frustrations, and probably more important than that, I share it because that’s how I’m wired.”
Mike Tomlin Revealed to Have No-Trade Clause In His Contract
Per the report, another team also reached out to discuss a trade for the Steelers HC but was told his contract has a no-trade clause.
The 52-year-old signed a three-year extension with Pittsburgh ahead of last season, becoming one of the highest-paid coaches in the league.
ESPN cited other sources who suggested that the Bears deserve plaudits for at least making contact and for recognizing the quality of coach and leader Mike Tomlin is.
