PITTSBURGH —For the first time in his tenure as the team's primary owner, Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II will run a coaching search, as head coach Mike Tomlin has stepped down after 19 seasons at the helm of one of the league's premiere franchises.
Rooney, in a statement provided by the team, said that Tomlin informed him on Tuesday that he was stepping down, and thanked Tomlin for his years of service to the franchise.
"During our meeting today, Coach Tomlin informed me that he has decided to step down as our Head Coach," Rooney wrote. " Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years. It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin. He guided the franchise to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career. His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated.
"My family and I, and everyone connected to Steelers management, are forever grateful for the passion and dedication Mike Tomlin has devoted to Steelers football."
Rooney was a part of the process when the Steelers hired Tomlin in 2007. He had become the team's president in 2003, but his father, Dan Rooney, was still the team's principal owner at that point.
The Steelers have had just three head coaches since 1969, with Tomlin following Hall of Famers Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher, each of whom led the team to Super Bowl titles.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : 'Extremely Grateful' Art Rooney II Thanks Mike Tomlin for 19 Years as Steelers Head Coach
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