Bouchette on the Steelers: Don't misread the (non-)sign
Because of fifth-year option, look for Mike Tomlin to have his contract extended after this season, not before
by Ed Bouchette
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Because of fifth-year option, look for Mike Tomlin to have his contract extended after this season, not before
by Ed Bouchette
[url="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09235/992701-66.stm#ixzz0OyngGVMu"]http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09235/99 ... z0OyngGVMu[/url]
There will be no contract extension for Steelers coach Mike Tomlin this year for one simple reason that has nothing to do with money or either side's unwillingness to negotiate.
Traditionally, the Steelers try to sign their coach to an extension when he has two years left on his deal. They did that on every occasion with former coach Bill Cowher right up until 2006, when they were unable to agree on a deal and he resigned after the 2006 season with one year left.
Tomlin has coached two years of a four-year contract he signed in 2007. The difference, though, is Tomlin signed a four-year contract with a fifth option year.
Option years are typical for some first-time head coaches who do not have strong bargaining positions. Ken Whisenhunt signed a similar contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Coaches' contracts are guaranteed, but those option years are a one-way street -- they are club options. A coach can be fired early, and the club owes nothing for that option year. The option year, however, binds the coach to the club if exercised.
Tomlin never should see the option year exercised because no matter what happens this season, the Steelers surely will open negotiations to extend his contract next year, tearing up the option year in the process. As a Super Bowl-winning head coach in his second season, Tomlin will be dealing from strength this time and, as it did with Cowher, the option no longer will be part of any future contracts he signs with the Steelers.
Traditionally, the Steelers try to sign their coach to an extension when he has two years left on his deal. They did that on every occasion with former coach Bill Cowher right up until 2006, when they were unable to agree on a deal and he resigned after the 2006 season with one year left.
Tomlin has coached two years of a four-year contract he signed in 2007. The difference, though, is Tomlin signed a four-year contract with a fifth option year.
Option years are typical for some first-time head coaches who do not have strong bargaining positions. Ken Whisenhunt signed a similar contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Coaches' contracts are guaranteed, but those option years are a one-way street -- they are club options. A coach can be fired early, and the club owes nothing for that option year. The option year, however, binds the coach to the club if exercised.
Tomlin never should see the option year exercised because no matter what happens this season, the Steelers surely will open negotiations to extend his contract next year, tearing up the option year in the process. As a Super Bowl-winning head coach in his second season, Tomlin will be dealing from strength this time and, as it did with Cowher, the option no longer will be part of any future contracts he signs with the Steelers.
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