Further Smoke Around The Mike Tomlin Rumors Just Emerged

Yesterday, I reported that the Chicago Bears are weighing their options at head coach. Matt Eberflus' fate hasn't been decided yet. GM Ryan Poles and team president Kevin Warren are waiting for the end of the season before determining things. A significant factor in this situation is the replacement options available. Warren would prefer if a change were to be made that the Bears are getting a clear upgrade. That would involve a potential big name becoming available once the season ends.

The name I've heard who has their attention is Mike Tomlin. His status in Pittsburgh is rockier than it's ever been. Fans want him out. The team isn't performing well. The Steelers have employed him for 16 years, and some wonder if the need for a fresh voice is at hand. If you were looking for further confirmation of this, Albert Breer of The MMQB provided it on the Rich Eisen Show.

Here is where it gets interesting. Around the same time, David Kaplan of ESPN 1000 went on his Football REKAP Live show and made this statement.

Mike Tomlin could be the next Andy Reid.

People forget before Reid became an icon in Kansas City, he was an icon in Philadelphia. He dominated the NFC for years with the Eagles, reaching five NFC championships and a Super Bowl. However, things soured in 2012 when he went 4-12. Philadelphia felt things had gotten stale with Reid and decided to move on. He went to Kansas City, where he solidified his Hall of Fame career. Philadelphia eventually won a Super Bowl with Doug Pederson a few years later. It worked out for both sides.

Perhaps the same situation is happening with Mike Tomlin. His message isn't resonating with the Steelers locker room anymore. Both sides may need a fresh start. The Bears are desperate for a coach with a proven track record of winning. Tomlin has ten playoff appearances, seven division titles, and a Super Bowl ring. He's still only 52 years old, two years younger than Reid was. Chicago has every reason in the world to throw all the money at him if he becomes available.