Mike Tomlin has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier head coaches. Despite the Steelers experiencing a three-game losing streak, there’s a faction of fans entertaining the idea of parting ways with Tomlin. However, that would be an unwise choice for Pittsburgh.
In football, fortunes can shift swiftly. A string of victories elevates a team, while three consecutive disheartening losses can plunge that same squad into despair. The Pittsburgh Steelers exemplify this, and head coach Mike Tomlin is witnessing this drastic shift firsthand.
Reflect back to Thanksgiving weekend when the Steelers triumphed over their divisional rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, advancing their record to 7-4. Their success drew heaps of acclaim from the media, with praise directed at Pittsburgh’s players and Tomlin himself, even sparking Coach of the Year discussions.
Despite deploying a quarterback with evident limitations, the Steelers managed wins, primarily relying on their defense while the offense sporadically exhibited signs of life. However, even after parting ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada, the Kenny Pickett-led offense has consistently underperformed as a collective unit.
Matters worsened when Pickett sustained an injury, sidelining him and thrusting Mitchell Trubisky into the quarterback role. The former No. 2 overall pick, albeit a backup for a reason, has consistently displayed why since taking charge. Pittsburgh even benched Trubisky with less than a minute remaining against the Colts.
In a crushing 30-13 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers relinquished 30 unanswered points after initially securing a swift two-score lead. The offense faltered in the second half, credit to the formidable Colts defense. This offensive ineptitude placed immense strain on the Pittsburgh defense.
Following this defeat, an uncommon narrative emerged around Mike Tomlin. A minority of fans began advocating for Tomlin’s dismissal. This proposition, aimed at a head coach who has maintained a .500-or-better record for each of the past 16 seasons and boasts an impressive career record of 170-100-2, would be an excessive and misguided reaction.
While Tomlin’s singular Super Bowl victory in 2008 may seem underwhelming, particularly given the team’s regular playoff contention, it overlooks the accomplishment of consistently steering the team toward postseason contention. From navigating Ben Roethlisberger’s declining performances to entrusting Kenny Pickett with the franchise, Tomlin has coped without elite quarterback play for a considerable period in a league abundant with quarterback talent.
Moreover, Tomlin has constructed a formidable defense, maximizing the potential of his players. Players like T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick showcase All-Pro caliber, while younger talents like Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton exhibit flashes of excellence.
Dismissing Mike Tomlin would exacerbate the Steelers’ current issues and potentially spawn a host of additional problems. It’s crucial to consider that replacing a coach of Tomlin’s caliber poses a significant challenge for the Steelers.
Letting go of Tomlin would represent a monumental mistake for the Steelers. While acknowledging the possibility of upgrades or the need for change, the current scenario doesn’t warrant such action for Pittsburgh. Tomlin’s coaching tenure, akin to Bill Belichick’s, is esteemed and lengthy in the NFL—parting ways with him could have enduring repercussions.
Unlike Belichick, Tomlin is substantially younger, with plenty left in the tank. Sometimes, the grass isn’t greener elsewhere. Virtually every NFL franchise would eagerly welcome Tomlin at the helm—Steelers fans should be wary of what they wish for.
