It’s time. It’s finally time the Pittsburgh Steelers move on from Mike Tomlin. Even though the Steelers pride themselves on being a franchise of stability — they have had only three head coaches since 1969 — and one unwilling to make knee-jerk decisions, Pittsburgh’s 28-14 wild-card loss to the Ravens is the latest example of why something has to give.
Tomlin and his Steelers didn’t just lose to their AFC North rival, they got embarrassed. They were down 21-0 at halftime and allowed Derrick Henry to rush for 186 yards. Despite an improved effort in the second half, this latest early playoff exit — the Steelers’ last playoff win came way back in 2016 — coupled with their four-straight losses to end the regular season and Steelers fans are left frustrated and wondering if their beloved Black and Gold will ever truly return to glory.
Even after changing their entire quarterback room following last season’s playoff loss to the Bills, the Steelers are left in the same situation once again. There are concerns if they have a quarterback on the roster who can lead them to playoff wins, they dealt with drama from a top playmaker and their defense collapsed when the team needed them the most.
And while Tomlin has an overall resume that will likely send him to the Hall of Fame, it’s to the point continuing to do the same thing would be insanity for one of the NFL’s marquee franchises.
Tomlin has 183 wins, has led the Steelers to 12 playoff appearances, seven division titles, a couple of AFC crowns, a Super Bowl XLIII championship, and of course, has never suffered a losing season. But most of Tomlin’s big success in Pittsburgh came early in his tenure. His postseason record is also now 8-11, which includes six consecutive losses.
Tomlin’s defenders will bring up that Chuck Noll only made the playoffs four times in his final 12 seasons and Bill Cowher was allowed to continue on through losing seasons until he won his lone Super Bowl. Others will argue Tomlin will be hired by another team in five minutes.
However, none of that matters when discussing the reality of the current situation.
It’s even fair to say Tomlin has overachieved at times, most notably getting the 2019 Steelers to one game shy of a postseason birth despite Ben Roethlisberger missing most of the year. Of course, the counter to that is falling in a home playoff game to Jacksonville as a heavy favorite in 2017 and failing to get the job done during a period that saw Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell all at their best together.
In reality, ending Tomlin’s tenure doesn’t have to mean disrespecting him. It doesn’t have to mean he doesn’t deserve the Hall of Fame since his resume stacks up with other coaches already enshrined.
The Eagles once decided the success they were enjoying with Andy Reid wasn’t enough and a change was needed. Since then, Philadelphia has made two Super Bowls and won the franchise’s only title. As for Reid, he has three rings and maybe counting as he’s still in the midst of guiding a dynasty.
They don’t regret their decision to fire Reid in 2012, but will still undoubtedly honor him when he takes his place in Canton someday.
Pittsburgh isn’t going to fire Tomlin, but it’s time for Art Rooney II and his longtime head coach to sit down and discuss how to mutually part ways. It would honestly be best for everyone at this point.
