The Pittsburgh Steelers’ unfortunate conclusion to the season has left supporters in shock, and it’s easy to understand why. Once a contender for the AFC North title, Pittsburgh’s ambitions for a deep playoff run evaporated as they dropped their last four regular-season games.
To make matters worse, the Steelers suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round, losing 28-14, a result that has sparked serious discussions about the future of head coach Mike Tomlin.
It has been a staggering eight seasons since the Steelers last triumphed in a playoff game, which is concerning enough on its own. Tomlin, who is now in his 18th season as head coach of Pittsburgh, has managed to win only four playoff matches during his time in charge.
If any other coach had faced an eight-year playoff win drought, they would likely have been dismissed long ago. The frustration among Steelers supporters is tangible, yet NFL analyst Adam Schefter provided some insight on the situation regarding Tomlin’s job security during Sunday morning’s “Sunday NFL Countdown”.
“Last week, we mentioned there would be teams inquiring about the availability of Mike Tomlin, and indeed one did,” Schefter stated. “They were informed that Mike Tomlin has a no-trade clause in his contract. Therefore, anything related to his future in Pittsburgh would require his approval. A loss like last night might prompt more teams to investigate, but there is no indication that the Steelers are looking to part ways with Mike Tomlin.”
This is a difficult reality for Steelers fans to accept, but the truth is that, despite the significant criticism, the team is unlikely to part ways with Tomlin in the near future.
His contract extension, signed prior to the upcoming 2024 season, runs until 2027. While the idea of trading Tomlin might appeal to some in Pittsburgh, it’s effectively a non-starter because of the no-trade clause.
Sure, Tomlin’s 18-year tenure with the Steelers is noteworthy, particularly his knack for avoiding a losing season. However, this is also part of the problem; his teams appear to have plateaued over the years, causing fans to increasingly express frustration at what feels like a ceiling of mediocrity.
Meanwhile, the NFL has evolved, with dynamic offenses and cutting-edge coaching strategies taking center stage in the league. When the Steelers face off against teams like the Ravens, they appear to be lagging behind. This is a hard truth for a franchise that has long valued toughness and excellence.
The key question is whether this evolution can occur while Tomlin remains at the helm. His previously compelling message now seems to resonate less, leading to a growing sense of irrelevance for the Steelers, particularly in crucial moments. A change might be necessary, but given ownership’s profound loyalty to the head coach—and the presence of that no-trade clause—there seems to be little indication of change on the horizon.
Ultimately, it’s likely that Tomlin will still be in charge in 2025. His achievements speak volumes, and in the eyes of ownership, his 18 years of consistent mediocrity may suffice to secure his position.
The Steelers have only seen three head coaches since 1969, reflecting the organization’s commitment to stability. Therefore, despite rising frustrations, Tomlin will likely continue in his role in Pittsburgh for as long as he desires. Any major changes may eventually arrive, but they are not expected anytime soon.
