Mike Tomlin wants to bring back his entire coaching staff for another season -- unless something unforeseen happens, like a chance for any of them to improve themselves.

"At this point, my intention is to keep this staff intact," Tomlin said. "Things happen in this business and I am aware of it, but those are my intentions at this point."

Tomlin coached with none of the men on his staff in the pros, although he did have associations with several. Most of his first defensive staff worked for Bill Cowher and two offensive coaches were holdovers.

But despite some acknowledged failures in some areas of the team, including special teams, which has two coaches, Tomlin said he was generally "pleased with our staff."

"I think we have a bunch of unselfish men, who are willing teachers," Tomlin said. "Do we need to get better? Do we need to coach better in some areas; in all areas? Absolutely. Part of us being what we are capable of being is playing and coaching. We got to get better."

Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu might have to have surgery on his right knee, although that has not yet been determined, Tomlin said.

"We are not sure yet. We will see with time. I think rest may get it done."

Polamalu missed three midseason games because of a sprained knee but returned to finish the year. If he has surgery, he likely will have to bow out of the Pro Bowl.

Hines Ward had surgery on his right knee Wednesday to repair a meniscus and "the prognosis is very good," Tomlin said. Special teams captain Clint Kriewaldt had surgery to repair his left rotator cuff.

Also having surgery will be linebacker Marquis Cooper (meniscus), tackle Trai Essex (right ankle, cartilage), linebacker Andre Frazier (sports hernia) and guard Kendall Simmons (right fourth finger). Others who might have surgery are tackle Willie Colon (right knee "cleanup"), cornerback Grant Mason (right shoulder) and receiver (right shoulder).

Tomlin said he has not closed the door on All-Pro guard Alan Faneca returning, but he did not sound optimistic. Faneca will become an unrestricted free agent in March.

"Ask Alan," Tomlin said. "We are well aware of the situation with Alan. Alan is a great player. Maybe the door is closing, in terms of him being a part of this thing in the future, but it won't be from a lack of effort and trying to get something done."

As for tackle Max Starks returning, Tomlin said he complimented him on how he dealt with his demotion from starter to top backup this season. He also noted that he can play various positions on both sides.

"I like those qualities in Max and we will have some great attraction to him."

The Steelers will participate in free agency but to what extent, Tomlin gave the company line.

"We always start with keeping the players we desire as part of our program. That is our philosophy and that will continue to be our philosophy. The bulk of our additions to this team will be through the draft, but yes, free agent play is a possibility."

On second thought

Had they the chance to do it again, Tomlin said the Steelers probably would try a pass on third-and-6 on their next-to-last drive against Jacksonville when they had the lead and the ball. Instead, Ben Roethlisberger rolled right and was tackled after a 1-yard gain.

"In hindsight, if you had it to do over, yes you would love to do that," Tomlin said, "because the result of the play that we choose was not the result we were looking for. We weren't successful."

On the other hand, he said he would still try the two-point conversion even with the ball perched on the 12-yard line with 10:29 to play.

"Yes, I'd do it again. I throw caution to the wind. I play to win."