Former NFL executive: Mike Tomlin might consider LSU, USC jobs

Openings at USC and LSU should have Steelers fans worried about losing coach Mike Tomlin. At least that’s what former team executive Doug Whaley said in a radio appearance Wednesday.

“Six letters for Steelers fans to be very concerned about…LSU, USC,” Whaley said. “Think about that. Both institutions can out-pay the Rooney’s. Their alumni base has enough money to give Mike Tomlin whatever he wants.”

Tomlin has been the coach at Pittsburgh since 2007. He has claimed one Super Bowl while making two appearances in that span. This year, injuries caused the Steelers to start slow and they are currently 3-3 and in last place in the AFC North.

There are also concerns about the future. Starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is pushing 40 and may not have many years left in the tank. Whaley questioned whether Tomlin would be willing to stick it out with what would soon be a rebuilding Steelers squad.

“I’m thinking, ‘do they have a definitive plan in Pittsburgh to find a quarterback after Ben?’” he asked. “In the NFL, you get one maybe two first rounders every year. As Saban said, in college you can recruit maybe 20.

“Now you go to USC. Another fertile recruiting base. A historically prominent program that’s down. Another alumni base that can pay whatever. Then you start talking about revenue streams off the field.
Commercials, movies. For me, if you’re talking about maximizing your ability to generate revenue, as an agent I’m saying, ‘We’ve got to listen to this coach.’”

If all that isn’t convincing enough for Tomlin, perhaps the chance to bolster his status in the football history books will be. Whaley said moving to college would allow the coach to make a name for himself in both ranks. Perhaps he could win a national championship to go with his Super Bowl.

“Money, full control and legacy,” Whaley said. “That talks. You did it in the pros and you did it in college. Not many people can say that. Not many people can say I’m going to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a coach and the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach. That’s legacy.”

This is all conjecture for now, but Whaley certainly brings up some interesting points. But for now, Mike Tomlin has expressed no desire in USC or LSU. The Steelers will get back to business on Halloween when they take on the Browns.