No franchise has more impeccable taste in choosing head coaches than the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the team has ensured its current leader won't go anywhere.
Instant Debate: Modern-day dynasty?
Which NFL franchise has the building blocks to become a modern dynasty? Our analysts like Aaron
Rodgers' Packers. **More ...**
The Steelers announced Tuesday that Mike Tomlin's contract has been extended three years, through the 2016 season. Tomlin -- who had two years remaining on his previous deal -- now is tied to the team for five years.
"We are pleased to announce that Mike Tomlin will remain with the Steelers for at least five more years," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement issued by the team. "Mike is one of the top head coaches in the National Football League and we are thrilled he will continue to lead our team as we pursue another Super Bowl title."
Tomlin replaced Bill Cowher in 2006, and the Steelers never missed a beat. Tomlin has a 60-28 lifetime record, including a Super Bowl XLIII title in 2009. He's the youngest head coach to both appear in, and win, a Super Bowl -- he was 36 at the time.
No franchise has handled the transition of change better than the Steelers. Chuck Noll won four Super Bowls over 22 seasons (1969-1991) before giving way to Cowher, who brought another title in his 15 seasons (1992-2006). Tomlin has maintained that sense of stability in the organization while keeping it a perennial title contender. An extension well deserved.