Mike Tomlin’s abrupt departure from his postgame press conference Monday generated all kinds of speculation of his future with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
If you didn’t already know, the Steelers lost the wild-card round game 31-17 to the Buffalo Bills.
The coach’s quick exit opened the door for online creativity.
The Benstonium social media channels added a little Looney Tunes flavor to Tomlin’s quick exit.
Coach Tomlin pulled a Road Runner at his presser ???? pic.twitter.com/5dv8qr4wq6
— Benstonium (@Benstonium) January 16, 2024
Here’s what with a Simpsons twist.
Tomlin was like see ya pic.twitter.com/kUoF65fsTq
— Hooked On Hockey Magazine (@HOH_Magazine) January 16, 2024
Game recognize game when it comes to Tomlin and generational memes. Check out this dunk.
Mike Tomlin when it comes to creating another generational meme https://t.co/BSPQWpWMzHpic.twitter.com/lAM7kia8ZB
— rozan???????? (@rozansyear) January 16, 2024
Mike Tomlin press conference memes pic.twitter.com/fNm8aw4Nq0
— Chris Smoove's Burner (@TheSmooveBurner) January 16, 2024
TribLive’s Tim Benz speculated in a column that Tomlin’s antics were calculated.
Perhaps, but it made for some extra fodder for NFL fans today.
Mike Tomlin: pic.twitter.com/ZFgoE1YVhA
— Arthurlee L. Mitchell, Jr. (@Arthurlee_M) January 16, 2024
Poof!
Mike, you have a year left on your contract…”
Mike Tomlin: pic.twitter.com/jonKhCkWPD
— J????ey Bag ????f D????nuts ???? (@joeybagovdonuts) January 16, 2024
And what about the other reporters left with unanswered questions. Cue a Dwight Schrute GIF.
All the other reporters looking at the lady that just made Mike Tomlin leave https://t.co/g4E2seFBHgpic.twitter.com/8jXQeA9U2M
— G Wyld (@PicksGoneWyld) January 16, 2024
Some call Tomlin the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) at meme material.
Tomlin is the goat of creating memes pic.twitter.com/tzJE7U9WwL
— AstroCyborg (@AstroCyborg) January 16, 2024
Of course, Primanti Bros. got in on the fun with a fries joke.
Ben Schmitt is a TribLive deputy managing editor focusing on Pittsburgh and online news coverage. Before becoming an editor in 2018, he worked as a reporter for more than 20 years in Pittsburgh, Detroit, Georgia and New Hampshire. He can be reached at bschmitt@triblive.com