Mike Tomlin becomes first NFL head coach to reach amazing achievement

Monday Night Football in Week 17 was about Ben Roethlisberger in what was likely his last home game. But Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin also did something amazing in the game.

Pittsburgh improved to 8-7-1 with the victory over the Cleveland Browns. With one game left on the schedule, it marks Tomlin’s 15th straight season without a losing record. He’s the first coach in NFL history to accomplish that feat.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has now clinched his 15th straight season without a losing record.

That's the most consecutive seasons to begin a career by any head coach in NFL history.

In a league of parity and constant coaching turnover, Tomlin's consistency is incredible. pic.twitter.com/qDazhhJoM8

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 4, 2022

Tomlin took over as Steelers coach in 2007 — his first NFL head coaching job. In that time, he has a 153-85-2 record and led Pittsburgh to the Super Bowl XLIII title in 2008.

In fact, Pittsburgh has had quite a run of head coaches since 1969. Chuck Noll was the Steelers’ headman from 1969-91, Bill Cowher took over from 1992-2006 and Tomlin came in after Cowher retired. That’s three coaches since 1969, and Pittsburgh hasn’t had a losing season since 2003.

The Steelers are still in contention for the playoffs, but a couple things need to happen. They need to beat the Baltimore Ravens this week, the Indianapolis Colts need to lose and the Los Angeles Chargers can’t tie with the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday Night Football.

Hey, it could happen.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger gets emotional after potential final home win

The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a shot at the playoffs this year. But the postseason took a back seat to Monday night’s win over Cleveland as Ben Roethlisberger might have played his last game at Heinz Field.

Roethlisberger previously said the game “could be” his last home game. It sure had that feeling, with “Thanks Ben” signs around the stadium during the Steelers’ 26-14 win over the Browns.

But after Najee Harris broke off a late touchdown run, Roethlisberger got to do something he didn’t think he’d get to do. He got the Steelers into the victory formation. That’s when it all started to hit him.

“I didn’t think I was going to take the field again,” Roethlisberger said during his postgame interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters. “It’s the best play in football when you’re an offensive player: to take a knee. I’m glad I got to do it one last time.”

But when did the emotions start setting in?

“Probably about now,” Roethlisberger said. “Just the end of it. Having a chance to go back out there. I don’t know. I’m at a loss for words. I’m just so thankful for these fans and this place. There’s no place like it.”