- As the NFL season progresses, all eyes in Pittsburgh are on the Pittsburgh Steelers and their head coach, Mike Tomlin. The Steelers, a franchise known for its blue-collar mentality, storied history, and commitment to stability, are now in the midst of a season that could potentially lead to major changes if it ends in disappointment. Mike Tomlin, the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL, has been a fixture of Pittsburgh’s success, guiding the team to two Super Bowls and never finishing below .500 since taking the job in 2007. However, the pressure is mounting, and the possibility of a fresh start for both the Steelers and Tomlin himself is becoming a very real conversation as the season unfolds.
### The Current State of the Steelers
The 2023 season has been a microcosm of the Steelers’ struggles over the past few years. While Pittsburgh has managed to stay competitive in a tough AFC North, the team has been far from dominant. They have faced issues on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Steelers’ attack has been inconsistent, to say the least. Quarterback Kenny Pickett, in his second season, has shown flashes of potential but still struggles with turnovers and executing in high-pressure situations. The offensive line, despite some improvements, has not been able to give Pickett consistent protection, and the running game, once the hallmark of Pittsburgh’s offensive identity, has been lackluster.
Defensively, the Steelers have one of the best pass-rushers in the league in T.J. Watt, but injuries, inconsistent play, and a lack of depth have led to struggles. While the defense can still generate pressure, its performance has been far from the elite standard that Steelers fans expect. The lack of a complementary pass-rush and the inability to get off the field on third downs have been consistent pain points. While the Steelers’ defense is certainly talented, it hasn’t been the game-changer that it needs to be for the team to contend in the highly competitive AFC.
At 6-7 heading into Week 15, Pittsburgh is still technically alive in the playoff race, but their chances of securing a postseason berth remain slim. This leaves the Steelers with a pivotal question: if the season ends in failure—whether they miss the playoffs or have an early postseason exit—should they stay the course with Tomlin, or is it time to consider a fresh start?
### The Case for Change: Why Mike Tomlin May Be On The Hot Seat
While Mike Tomlin’s resume is one of the most impressive in the NFL, it’s important to recognize that the bar for success in Pittsburgh is incredibly high. The Steelers are a franchise that prides itself on championships and consistent excellence. Since Tomlin’s hiring in 2007, he’s been a steady presence, but there are signs that both Tomlin and the organization may need a change.
#### Lack of Recent Playoff Success
One of the biggest critiques of Tomlin’s tenure in recent years has been the team’s lack of playoff success. The Steelers haven’t made it to the Super Bowl since 2010 and have only won one playoff game since 2016. While Tomlin has had a remarkable streak of never having a losing season, the bar is set higher in Pittsburgh, and there are growing concerns that the team’s playoff performance, especially in the crucial postseason moments, has been lacking.
In a league that’s increasingly about winning championships, simply making the playoffs is no longer enough for the Steelers faithful. They want titles. For a franchise with six Super Bowl championships, it’s hard to justify keeping a coach who has been unable to bring home another championship in over a decade, despite having teams that were competitive and loaded with talent.
#### Offensive Struggles
The Steelers’ offense has been a point of contention for several seasons. Even with a solid defense, Pittsburgh has struggled to put up points, and this season is no different. Kenny Pickett, the team’s presumed franchise quarterback, is still developing but hasn’t shown the consistency required for a team with championship aspirations. The offensive line has had issues in pass protection and run blocking, making it difficult to establish a balanced attack.
In recent seasons, the Steelers have tried to make changes to their offensive philosophy, including a shift to a more modern, up-tempo style under offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Yet, the results have been underwhelming. The inability to develop a consistent offensive identity—whether through the running game or passing game—has made the Steelers’ offense one of the least productive in the NFL. For a team with Super Bowl expectations, that simply isn’t good enough.
### The Case for Staying the Course: Why Mike Tomlin Deserves Another Chance
Despite the mounting pressures, Mike Tomlin still has many advocates within the Steelers organization and among fans. He remains one of the most respected coaches in the NFL, not just for his on-field accomplishments, but for his leadership and ability to navigate adversity. There are several compelling reasons why the Steelers might choose to stick with Tomlin, even if the season doesn’t end in the playoff picture.
#### Stability and Leadership
One of Tomlin’s greatest attributes is his leadership. The Steelers have had remarkable consistency under his watch, with only a handful of down years in over a decade. In an NFL where turnover is frequent and head coaches are fired every season, Tomlin’s ability to keep the team competitive year in and year out is a significant achievement. The Steelers’ front office values this stability, and even if the team doesn’t meet expectations, they may believe that continuity and keeping Tomlin in charge is the best course of action.
Tomlin has also managed to maintain team morale during tough seasons. Whether the Steelers have had injuries, roster turnover, or internal struggles, Tomlin has kept his players focused and working hard. The organization might believe that part of the issue lies in the roster and not necessarily with the coaching staff. In that case, firing Tomlin could cause unnecessary disruption, and the team might opt to stick with him, hoping that the right personnel moves—such as adding new coordinators or addressing weaknesses—will get them back on track.
#### The “You Just Never Know” Factor
In the NFL, as Tomlin often says, “You just never know.” The league is unpredictable, and one change can completely alter a team’s trajectory. Mike Tomlin’s tenure in Pittsburgh has shown that he is capable of pulling off surprising victories and getting his teams to perform above expectations when it matters most. Many coaches would love to have the success that Tomlin has enjoyed—two Super Bowl appearances, a championship, and countless playoff berths.
Moreover, Tomlin’s defensive pedigree is not in question. The Steelers still boast one of the NFL’s most feared defenses, led by the ever-dominant T.J. Watt. A healthy, retooled roster with the right pieces in place could easily vault Pittsburgh back into championship contention under Tomlin’s watch.
### Conclusion: A Crossroads for the Steelers and Mike Tomlin
If the season ends in failure, the Pittsburgh Steelers will find themselves at a crossroads. While some may call for a fresh start and consider moving on from Mike Tomlin, the more likely scenario is that the team will choose to address its roster issues, improve its offensive play, and give Tomlin another shot to build a contender. However, that doesn’t mean the pressure on Tomlin will abate. The Steelers may decide that change is necessary—whether that means reshuffling the coaching staff or overhauling the offense—but for now, the key question is whether this season’s shortcomings are a reflection of deeper issues or just an anomaly in a league known for its unpredictability.
Ultimately, the Steelers and Tomlin both face a critical moment in the franchise’s history. While a fresh start might be tempting, the value of continuity and leadership cannot be overstated in an NFL where uncertainty reigns. So, as Tomlin himself would say, “You just never know.” Only time will tell whether the Steelers’ future involves Tomlin or if both sides are searching for a new direction.