The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up yet another disappointing 2024 season, extending their playoff drought. Mike Tomlin and the organization have not secured a playoff victory since the 2016 season. While Tomlin has consistently been praised for his coaching abilities and has never had a losing season in his 18 years in charge, many Steelers fans feel that success should extend beyond the regular season—it should include competition for Super Bowls. In recent years, the Steelers have not approached that level of performance, causing frustration among the fanbase.
For some fans, the frequent accolades regarding Tomlin’s ability to maintain winning records lose significance as the team continues to fall short of championship aspirations. The ongoing lack of playoff success and inability to advance far has led to increased skepticism. Fans desire more than just avoiding losing seasons; they yearn for a return to Super Bowl triumph. This rising discontent has prompted questions about whether Tomlin’s leadership and message still resonate as they once did.
Recently, comments from Tomlin’s former players, now analysts, have added an interesting perspective. Plaxico Burress, a former wide receiver for the Steelers, recently expressed his worries about Tomlin’s current status during his podcast, Up on Game. He voiced concerns over Tomlin’s tenure, reflecting the sentiments of many fans who believe a change in the team’s direction might be necessary.
“I think he’s a very intelligent, motivating football coach,” Burress remarked. “But considering the team’s culture and their current standing—losing to the Baltimore Ravens, which many didn’t expect—they may need a change. I would say it’s time for him to have a fresh start.”
Burress argued that Tomlin may need to explore opportunities elsewhere to rekindle his chances of competing for Super Bowls. He pointed out that while Tomlin can secure regular season victories, he often struggles in pivotal moments later in the season.
Burress emphasized that the team’s postseason shortcomings are more indicative of a talent gap than a lack of coaching skill. He suggested that a new environment could revitalize Tomlin’s coaching career.
“I believe he’s among the best coaches in the league, with no losing seasons,” Burress noted. “However, hanging your hat on that fact alone isn’t enough anymore. It’s surprising in the current NFL landscape that merely having winning seasons doesn’t suffice; you must reach and win championships. Given the rosters he’s had, despite those winning seasons, I think he needs a fresh start.”
The idea of Tomlin finding success at a new organization is plausible if the Steelers opt to part ways with him. Critics argue that letting him go might not necessarily yield better results for the franchise. The Steelers have a history of loyalty, having only changed head coaches three times since 1969.
Some draw comparisons between Tomlin’s potential future and Andy Reid’s experience with the Philadelphia Eagles. Reid’s time in Philadelphia became stale, but his success with the Kansas City Chiefs—culminating in three Super Bowl victories—significantly enhanced his legacy. Many speculate that a similar resurgence could await Tomlin if he were to start anew. Nonetheless, this scenario appears improbable, as Tomlin is expected to remain with the Steelers for the foreseeable future.
Tomlin is likely to continue coaching with the Steelers until he chooses to retire. The organization values him highly, and given their track record of retaining coaches, he may not be going anywhere soon. Still, some wonder if he would consider embarking on a fresh journey with another team.
While the notion of change appeals to some, Tomlin has proven resilient in the face of adversity. He appears committed to reversing the Steelers’ playoff misfortunes and proving his worth once more, and many fans hold on to the hope that he can achieve that turnaround.The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up yet another disappointing 2024 season, extending their playoff drought. Mike Tomlin and the organization have not secured a playoff victory since the 2016 season. While Tomlin has consistently been praised for his coaching abilities and has never had a losing season in his 18 years in charge, many Steelers fans feel that success should extend beyond the regular season—it should include competition for Super Bowls. In recent years, the Steelers have not approached that level of performance, causing frustration among the fanbase.
For some fans, the frequent accolades regarding Tomlin’s ability to maintain winning records lose significance as the team continues to fall short of championship aspirations. The ongoing lack of playoff success and inability to advance far has led to increased skepticism. Fans desire more than just avoiding losing seasons; they yearn for a return to Super Bowl triumph. This rising discontent has prompted questions about whether Tomlin’s leadership and message still resonate as they once did.
Recently, comments from Tomlin’s former players, now analysts, have added an interesting perspective. Plaxico Burress, a former wide receiver for the Steelers, recently expressed his worries about Tomlin’s current status during his podcast, Up on Game. He voiced concerns over Tomlin’s tenure, reflecting the sentiments of many fans who believe a change in the team’s direction might be necessary.
“I think he’s a very intelligent, motivating football coach,” Burress remarked. “But considering the team’s culture and their current standing—losing to the Baltimore Ravens, which many didn’t expect—they may need a change. I would say it’s time for him to have a fresh start.”
Burress argued that Tomlin may need to explore opportunities elsewhere to rekindle his chances of competing for Super Bowls. He pointed out that while Tomlin can secure regular season victories, he often struggles in pivotal moments later in the season.
Burress emphasized that the team’s postseason shortcomings are more indicative of a talent gap than a lack of coaching skill. He suggested that a new environment could revitalize Tomlin’s coaching career.
“I believe he’s among the best coaches in the league, with no losing seasons,” Burress noted. “However, hanging your hat on that fact alone isn’t enough anymore. It’s surprising in the current NFL landscape that merely having winning seasons doesn’t suffice; you must reach and win championships. Given the rosters he’s had, despite those winning seasons, I think he needs a fresh start.”
The idea of Tomlin finding success at a new organization is plausible if the Steelers opt to part ways with him. Critics argue that letting him go might not necessarily yield better results for the franchise. The Steelers have a history of loyalty, having only changed head coaches three times since 1969.
Some draw comparisons between Tomlin’s potential future and Andy Reid’s experience with the Philadelphia Eagles. Reid’s time in Philadelphia became stale, but his success with the Kansas City Chiefs—culminating in three Super Bowl victories—significantly enhanced his legacy. Many speculate that a similar resurgence could await Tomlin if he were to start anew. Nonetheless, this scenario appears improbable, as Tomlin is expected to remain with the Steelers for the foreseeable future.
Tomlin is likely to continue coaching with the Steelers until he chooses to retire. The organization values him highly, and given their track record of retaining coaches, he may not be going anywhere soon. Still, some wonder if he would consider embarking on a fresh journey with another team.
While the notion of change appeals to some, Tomlin has proven resilient in the face of adversity. He appears committed to reversing the Steelers’ playoff misfortunes and proving his worth once more, and many fans hold on to the hope that he can achieve that turnaround.
