PITTSBURGH -- For the first time in his 15-year head coaching career, Mike Tomlin is entering an offseason without Ben Roethlisberger as the Pittsburgh Steelers' franchise quarterback for the upcoming season.
While Roethlisberger, 39, has yet to make the official announcement, Tomlin said he's "proceeding with the assumption" that the longtime quarterback won't be playing next year. Earlier this season, Roethlisberger said "all signs" pointed to the Week 17 win against the Cleveland Browns being his final home game at Heinz Field. After the Steelers' playoff exit against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Roethlisberger didn't use the word retirement but called his 18-year career with the franchise "an honor'' and said he is "looking forward" to the next chapter.