Mike Tomlin Opens Up About His Push to Convince Front Office to Lock In T.J. Watt

T.J. Watt may have signed the richest contract of any non-quarterback in NFL history, but according to Mike Tomlin, that deal didn’t just happen on its own.

In a rare behind-the-scenes admission, the Steelers’ head coach opened up about the intense internal effort it took to secure Watt’s four-year, $123 million extension — and just how far he personally went to make sure No. 90 never wore another jersey.

“I did everything I could to keep Watt here,” Tomlin said during a closed media briefing.
“He’s more than just a great player — he’s the identity of our defense.”

Sources inside the organization confirmed that Tomlin was a vocal presence in front office meetings during the final weeks of negotiation. At one point, he reportedly told ownership: “This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about sending a message — to the locker room, to the league, and to the future of this franchise.”

That message was heard loud and clear.

Watt’s deal includes $85 million fully guaranteed and resets the market for elite pass rushers. But for Tomlin, the value wasn’t just in the money — it was in the continuity, the culture, and what Watt’s presence means to the young core of defenders rising behind him.

Teammates say Tomlin never wavered. During the most tense moments, when talks stalled and rumors swirled about possible trades, the coach remained focused on one goal: keeping his defensive leader in the building.

“Coach had our back,” said one defensive player. “You could tell this wasn’t just a business move to him — this was personal.”

As the Steelers gear up for the 2025 season with Super Bowl hopes and a reshaped offense under Aaron Rodgers, locking in Watt was more than a headline — it was a statement of identity.

And behind that statement was a coach who fought for it every step of the way.