So Tomlin really has no time to entertain the strange rumor that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has him on a short wish list of candidates to replace the ousted Jay Gruden, as ESPN reported Monday.
When asked about that report at a press conference Tuesday, Tomlin responded about as you’d expect.
“I am not worried about that, to be quite honest with you. You’re the first person to mention it to me in a public setting,” Tomlin said.
When asked what his reaction would be in a private setting, Tomlin quickly responded, “About the same I’m giving you.
“Guys, look: I’m the head coach of a 1-4 football team that’s going on the road to play a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback with my third quarterback. You think I’m worried about anything this week other than that?”
There has been speculation Tomlin could be on the hot seat in Pittsburgh if the Steelers don’t turn their season around, but that’s far from a given for a franchise that has had only three coaches since 1969. Tomlin has never had a losing season in 12 years at the helm in Pittsburgh, so he’s earned the benefit of the doubt from the team’s ownership. He is under contract through the 2021 season.
Other potential Redskins coaching candidates mentioned in the ESPN report are Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
The Steelers face the Chargers on Sunday in Los Angeles.
