For Steeler Fans - Should Mike Tomlin Have Been Fired At End Of 2024 Season? (2 Viewers)

[Joe Bryant]

Note. This one is for people who consider themselves a fan of the Steelers.

If you don't see yourself as a Steelers fan, please vote in the other thread here. (And yes, you can be a "fan" of multiple teams)

The opinions on Mike Tomlin are one of the more interesting things in the NFL to me.

We've talked a lot about it, but I thought I'd put it to a poll.

Assuming you're a Steelers fan, would you have fired Tomlin at the end of the 2024 season?

And of course, please tell us why you voted the way you did.

 

[Blick]

I’ve been a Tomlin apologist, but not anymore. I don’t think he should have been fired specifically after last season. It’s hard to win without a top QB.

I think he should be fired now for having no plan at QB and being held hostage by a guy no one wants.

I think he should have been fired before that for his abysmal playoff record when he had a top QB.

I think he needs to relinquish control of selecting his assistants. They've not been good.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I think people way overestimate how much he is controlling roster moves. If you look at what has been done since Khan took over, you clearly see a big change in the way the team is operating. The GM has power in Pittsburgh. However I believe most of the terrible moves have been made by Art Rooney.

 

[brewer]

So, I voted not fire. I have supported Tomlin over the years for a number of reasons. He's simply a good person. He gets the most out of certain players(AB for instance), and he handles himself and the team with class and respect that isn't always common these days. The never having a losing season thing is ridiculously hard in today's NFL as well.

Now for the bad, he is loyal to a fault. He has hired assistant coaches to thank them for things like giving him his first chance(Randy Fichtner and Keith Butler) and for giving his kid a scholarship(Matt Canada). None of those 3 coaches would have ever held a coordinator position for any other organization. He brought in Brian Flores as a special assistant when he was screwed by Miami but then let him walk to the Vikings. It sure seems like he doesn't want any assistant coaches who challenge him, preferring to always be the alpha in the room. He, along with the Rooneys, are stuck in neutral, believing that you can win in today's NFL with a steel curtain defense and a running offense. Maybe someday it will swing back to that, but my guess is that won't be for a long time.

So, no, I don't think he deserves to be fired(and I don't think the Rooneys will ever fire him), but at this point, I think it might be better for Mike and for the organization, if they parted ways amicably.

 

[Gold Fox]

(I voted not fire) The talent available on the 2024 offense was well below average. Najee Harris is tough and good at ball protection, but he is overrated as running back (<4.0 YPC career). George Pickens is raw and immature. Mike Williams was still recovering from torn ACL in 2023. Neither Russell Wilson nor Justin Fields had winning records as starting QBs in 2021, 2022, or 2023. While both QBs were "good value" acquisitions, they did not constitute a playoff-caliber team... and yet Tomlin always finds a way to give his team a chance to win.

I will say that his best years as coach are probably behind him. His conservative approach is becoming too predictable. When his team is a considerable underdog, he'll still play conservative but add a trick play or two (fake punt etc) to tip the balance, but it rarely works.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

So, I voted not fire. I have supported Tomlin over the years for a number of reasons. He's simply a good person. He gets the most out of certain players(AB for instance), and he handles himself and the team with class and respect that isn't always common these days. The never having a losing season thing is ridiculously hard in today's NFL as well.

Now for the bad, he is loyal to a fault. He has hired assistant coaches to thank them for things like giving him his first chance(Randy Fichtner and Keith Butler) and for giving his kid a scholarship(Matt Canada). None of those 3 coaches would have ever held a coordinator position for any other organization. He brought in Brian Flores as a special assistant when he was screwed by Miami but then let him walk to the Vikings. It sure seems like he doesn't want any assistant coaches who challenge him, preferring to always be the alpha in the room. He, along with the Rooneys, are stuck in neutral, believing that you can win in today's NFL with a steel curtain defense and a running offense. Maybe someday it will swing back to that, but my guess is that won't be for a long time.

So, no, I don't think he deserves to be fired(and I don't think the Rooneys will ever fire him), but at this point, I think it might be better for Mike and for the organization, if they parted ways amicably.

Nearly certain Canada was a Rooney decision

 

[brewer]

So, I voted not fire. I have supported Tomlin over the years for a number of reasons. He's simply a good person. He gets the most out of certain players(AB for instance), and he handles himself and the team with class and respect that isn't always common these days. The never having a losing season thing is ridiculously hard in today's NFL as well.

Now for the bad, he is loyal to a fault. He has hired assistant coaches to thank them for things like giving him his first chance(Randy Fichtner and Keith Butler) and for giving his kid a scholarship(Matt Canada). None of those 3 coaches would have ever held a coordinator position for any other organization. He brought in Brian Flores as a special assistant when he was screwed by Miami but then let him walk to the Vikings. It sure seems like he doesn't want any assistant coaches who challenge him, preferring to always be the alpha in the room. He, along with the Rooneys, are stuck in neutral, believing that you can win in today's NFL with a steel curtain defense and a running offense. Maybe someday it will swing back to that, but my guess is that won't be for a long time.

So, no, I don't think he deserves to be fired(and I don't think the Rooneys will ever fire him), but at this point, I think it might be better for Mike and for the organization, if they parted ways amicably.

Nearly certain Canada was a Rooney decision

Well if it's true that Tomlin doesn't have control over his assistant coaching hires, then it's time to move on.

I've always been under the impression that the owners, GM, and head coach all have input.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I’ve been a Tomlin apologist, but not anymore. I don’t think he should have been fired specifically after last season. It’s hard to win without a top QB.

I think he should be fired now for having no plan at QB and being held hostage by a guy no one wants.

I think he should have been fired before that for his abysmal playoff record when he had a top QB.

I think he needs to relinquish control of selecting his assistants. They've not been good.

Thanks. Did you mean to vote for "Not Fire" option though?

 

[sm8680]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

He, along with the Rooneys, are stuck in neutral, believing that you can win in today's NFL with a steel curtain defense and a running offense.

That’s kind of what the Eagles did this year. But their OL is far superior to the Steelers’.

 

[Snotbubbles]

He, along with the Rooneys, are stuck in neutral, believing that you can win in today's NFL with a steel curtain defense and a running offense.

That’s kind of what the Eagles did this year. But their OL is far superior to the Steelers’.

The Eagles are also an example that you can transform your offense/defense in one offseason with the right moves.

The NFL is all about the QB though, and the Steelers just don't have any good options for the 2025 season.

 

[menobrown]

So, I voted not fire. I have supported Tomlin over the years for a number of reasons. He's simply a good person. He gets the most out of certain players(AB for instance), and he handles himself and the team with class and respect that isn't always common these days. The never having a losing season thing is ridiculously hard in today's NFL as well.

Now for the bad, he is loyal to a fault. He has hired assistant coaches to thank them for things like giving him his first chance(Randy Fichtner and Keith Butler) and for giving his kid a scholarship(Matt Canada). None of those 3 coaches would have ever held a coordinator position for any other organization. He brought in Brian Flores as a special assistant when he was screwed by Miami but then let him walk to the Vikings. It sure seems like he doesn't want any assistant coaches who challenge him, preferring to always be the alpha in the room. He, along with the Rooneys, are stuck in neutral, believing that you can win in today's NFL with a steel curtain defense and a running offense. Maybe someday it will swing back to that, but my guess is that won't be for a long time.

So, no, I don't think he deserves to be fired(and I don't think the Rooneys will ever fire him), but at this point, I think it might be better for Mike and for the organization, if they parted ways amicably.

Nearly certain Canada was a Rooney decision

Well if it's true that Tomlin doesn't have control over his assistant coaching hires, then it's time to move on.

I've always been under the impression that the owners, GM, and head coach all have input.

I think your impression is correct and Tomlin has never hired an assistant he did not approve of hiring.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Somebody tell me the last time Tomlin outcoached someone in a playoff game? Perhaps that's hard to measure but how many times were the Steelers absolutely obliterated in the first half of a playoff game (even as the favorite)? This is a symptom of an unprepared team.

 

[Blick]

I’ve been a Tomlin apologist, but not anymore. I don’t think he should have been fired specifically after last season. It’s hard to win without a top QB.

I think he should be fired now for having no plan at QB and being held hostage by a guy no one wants.

I think he should have been fired before that for his abysmal playoff record when he had a top QB.

I think he needs to relinquish control of selecting his assistants. They've not been good.

Thanks. Did you mean to vote for "Not Fire" option though?

Not fire based strictly on the 2024 season. I think it’s time to move on though.

 

[Lansdowne]

I’m a dummy and misread this topic for the other one, sorry, disregard my vote as I am definitely *not* a Steelers fan

 

[Bri]

The "all we need is a QB" has been present for a long while. Big Ben would get dinged up and have some meh performances as most every player does before they retire.
Landry Jones, Mason, Pickett, Dobbs...they have failed to add a franchise QB for a long time.
The Browns failed for oh so long and then Baker came to town. We all watched them and were aware. Oof another high pick failure. It was brutal and felt for their fans.
My Titans with Young and Locker and...we were right there with them until Marcus and Tannehill. Two swings and misses on Willis and Levis and now the Titans are right back in that spot.

Pat Kirwan likes to say they've got not choice but to take another dip in the pool. I love football and oh it drives me nuts how one player can be so integral to a teams success. It's such a tough reality.

Tomlin is a magician. The Steelers should have been the Browns and Titans or Jets at some point. What he's done is incredible.

I think it's a player acquisition problem.

I do not know their GM or scout history. The NFL is not kind to GMs and coaches of losing teams. It's usually obvious- bad record = new GM.

Somehow the Steelers can draft and use free agency well most everywhere but at QB.

I blame someone- specifically I don't know whom- but a talent evaluator is off.

The Titans wonderfully instilled a whole routine and off-season process for their QBs and Malik developed each year by working with different QB coaches during the offseason. Maybe the Steelers needed to reevaluate and do that too.

If I was the owner, I'm sure I would have said get me a QB. Sorry to be blunt but you have to get us a good QB or else.

They seem like they'll tango with Rodgers and eventually sign him.
I was so impressed with Adrian Martinez in the UFL and then preseason and eventually Rodgers was raving about him too. Rodgers doesn't rave about other QBs, that was considerable. The Titans and a few others have supposedly discussed Martinez. Someone needs to trade for him before he has more value than a third stringer.
The Steelers should. Get Rodgers the kid he likes (at a minimal cost) and who knows what becomes of the third string QB. Maybe he passes the torch.

I think they should draft some QB they adore at whatever cost. If lukewarm, then...whatever, but add another QB.

What about QB coaches? Shake that up!
Former Titan Alex Tanney keeps getting rave reviews wherever he goes. Steal him before Jalen Hurts praises him again. That career backup/young coach...that may be the new influence that organization needs.

Finally-
Be ok with trading a stud.
Steelers fans would have rioted if they traded TJ Watt years ago but also what if they received a top QB in return? How would they be now?

Larry the Cable Guy needs to walk around their facility saying Get'r Done until they do

 

[Steelers4Life]

It's long overdue. Better coaches than him who've won far more recently have been fired.

No coaching tree after 18 years and a complete inability to hire good assistants.

Awful clock and in-game management.

Showing up flat in big games multiple times every year - it's expected at this point.

4 seasons of playoff success with the team he inherited, and a playoff win in only TWO of the past 14 seasons. All 3 of those wins came against backup QBs.

He had a very good to elite version of a first ballot HOF QB in 9 of those 14 seasons (2011 to 2018, 2020). It hasn't just been since Ben retired, but people try to give him a pass like it has.

He'd be hired immediately, but that doesn't mean he should be or that it'd be a bad decision to let him go. Should've been done years ago.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Interesting how different the results are here compared to the non-fan poll. I usually defer to those who watch a team the most.

 

[irish eyes]

Should have been canned a few years ago. The defense is terrible now too & that's supposed to be his baby. Why people are so enamored with less than mediocre is baffling.

 

[Grid71]

Art Rooney II has maintained consistency and stability. Compared to other team owners has been cheap with one of the smallest coaching staffs and Rooneys threatened to leave if Pittsburgh didn’t pay for a new stadium then he gets money selling naming rights. Facilities are some of the worst compared to the rest of the NFL.
If you believe the lore, Rooney hand picked the Kenny Pickett selection despite not being graded as a first round pick by his staff.
Coaching decisions with some staff and needing permission to bench a failing QB is terrible.
Tomlin has absorbed all the blame publicly and still managed to win more than lose year over year.
Tomlin has developed personal relationships and respect with players all across the league. Without Coach T, the team would risk falling into the Cleveland, New England (post Brady) territory.
while it’s embarrassing how badly he gets out coached in Playoffs, he’s maintained a winning culture with stability.

Full disclosure, I joined the throng calling for Tomlin getting fired back when he didn’t get rid of Matt Canada. Even went as far as suggesting potential replacements, but aiming high with the hope enough negative Tomlin buzz would influence Rooney to let him fire Canada.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Interesting how different the results are here compared to the non-fan poll. I usually defer to those who watch a team the most.

It is, and I kind of agree with your overall sentiment. But, sometimes, ardent fans of a team get so deep into the weeds that they miss the big picture. That said, like I posted in the other thread, sometimes a fresh start for both team and coach is a good thing.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Interesting how different the results are here compared to the non-fan poll. I usually defer to those who watch a team the most.

Yes. That's why I broke it up like I did.

And there are multiple factors in play usually on that. The fans are obviously more knowledgeable about the team they watch the most but often times they're the most critical as it's their team. I get it.

 

[Steeler]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

 

[tbsteel]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

Going into last season they had lost 5 straight playoff games giving up 40.4 points per game in those five losses.

Not 25, not 30, not 35, but over 40 points per game.

And this year they were down 21-0 at halftime against Baltimore and had given up like 300 yards to 60 yards. Thankfully for Tomlin the Ravens kneeled it out inside our 15 at the end to show mercy or we'd given up 35 points.

Name any other coach in NFL history who survives that.

 

[Snotbubbles]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

Going into last season they had lost 5 straight playoff games giving up 40.4 points per game in those five losses.

Not 25, not 30, not 35, but over 40 points per game.

And this year they were down 21-0 at halftime against Baltimore and had given up like 300 yards to 60 yards. Thankfully for Tomlin the Ravens kneeled it out inside our 15 at the end to show mercy or we'd given up 35 points.

Name any other coach in NFL history who survives that.

Marvin Lewis coached 16 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals he was 0-7 in the playoffs, didn't get fired, and then missed the playoffs entirely for another 3 seasons before getting fired. Lewis didn't win a playoff game in 16 years for the Bengals.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

So, the Steelers are keeping some pretty rad company here, you say? Mike Brown/the Bengals, you say?

Ace. No notes, Mr. Rooney. As you were. See everyone in another 15-20 seasons when Coach T's ready to retire on his own, I guess.

But "the standard will be the standard" in Steeltown in the meantime, by gawd!! (if that standard is about 9 wins, give or take a win).

 

[tbsteel]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

Going into last season they had lost 5 straight playoff games giving up 40.4 points per game in those five losses.

Not 25, not 30, not 35, but over 40 points per game.

And this year they were down 21-0 at halftime against Baltimore and had given up like 300 yards to 60 yards. Thankfully for Tomlin the Ravens kneeled it out inside our 15 at the end to show mercy or we'd given up 35 points.

Name any other coach in NFL history who survives that.

Marvin Lewis coached 16 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals he was 0-7 in the playoffs, didn't get fired, and then missed the playoffs entirely for another 3 seasons before getting fired. Lewis didn't win a playoff game in 16 years for the Bengals.

Did Marvin Lewis' teams average giving up over 40 points a game? The Steelers have been run off the field. We made Blake Bortles look like prime Mahomes.

 

[Snotbubbles]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

Going into last season they had lost 5 straight playoff games giving up 40.4 points per game in those five losses.

Not 25, not 30, not 35, but over 40 points per game.

And this year they were down 21-0 at halftime against Baltimore and had given up like 300 yards to 60 yards. Thankfully for Tomlin the Ravens kneeled it out inside our 15 at the end to show mercy or we'd given up 35 points.

Name any other coach in NFL history who survives that.

Marvin Lewis coached 16 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals he was 0-7 in the playoffs, didn't get fired, and then missed the playoffs entirely for another 3 seasons before getting fired. Lewis didn't win a playoff game in 16 years for the Bengals.

Did Marvin Lewis' teams average giving up over 40 points a game? The Steelers have been run off the field. We made Blake Bortles look like prime Mahomes.

Just so we're clear, you don't care that they lost the game, you care about the manner they lost. You'd be on board with Tomlin in perpetuity, if the Steelers would have only lost the games in a better manner?

 

[Steeler]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

Going into last season they had lost 5 straight playoff games giving up 40.4 points per game in those five losses.

Not 25, not 30, not 35, but over 40 points per game.

And this year they were down 21-0 at halftime against Baltimore and had given up like 300 yards to 60 yards. Thankfully for Tomlin the Ravens kneeled it out inside our 15 at the end to show mercy or we'd given up 35 points.

Name any other coach in NFL history who survives that.

Marvin Lewis coached 16 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals he was 0-7 in the playoffs, didn't get fired, and then missed the playoffs entirely for another 3 seasons before getting fired. Lewis didn't win a playoff game in 16 years for the Bengals.

Did Marvin Lewis' teams average giving up over 40 points a game? The Steelers have been run off the field. We made Blake Bortles look like prime Mahomes.

Just so we're clear, you don't care that they lost the game, you care about the manner they lost. You'd be on board with Tomlin in perpetuity, if the Steelers would have only lost the games in a better manner?

No. But it's more egregious to be continually blown out even though Tomlin is a defensive minded coach.

 

[Snotbubbles]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

Going into last season they had lost 5 straight playoff games giving up 40.4 points per game in those five losses.

Not 25, not 30, not 35, but over 40 points per game.

And this year they were down 21-0 at halftime against Baltimore and had given up like 300 yards to 60 yards. Thankfully for Tomlin the Ravens kneeled it out inside our 15 at the end to show mercy or we'd given up 35 points.

Name any other coach in NFL history who survives that.

Marvin Lewis coached 16 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals he was 0-7 in the playoffs, didn't get fired, and then missed the playoffs entirely for another 3 seasons before getting fired. Lewis didn't win a playoff game in 16 years for the Bengals.

Did Marvin Lewis' teams average giving up over 40 points a game? The Steelers have been run off the field. We made Blake Bortles look like prime Mahomes.

Just so we're clear, you don't care that they lost the game, you care about the manner they lost. You'd be on board with Tomlin in perpetuity, if the Steelers would have only lost the games in a better manner?

No. But it's more egregious to be continually blown out even though Tomlin is a defensive minded coach.

Did you ever hear the saying, "You can't make chicken salad out of chicken ****?"

I think this may be a case where the talent on the team isn't as good as the fans may think it is.

 

[sm8680]

Poor coaching decisions have certainly played a role in the Steelers' struggles. I'll keep it short. Lack of in game adjustments, December collapses, Defensive struggles, Coaching staff composition MT hiring yes men has resulted in a 0 yes 0 coaching tree. Not too many teams are interested in hiring Steeler coaches.

The last coach who challenged MT was Arians and he was shown the door. Brian Flores in theory was a good coach who wasn't retained.

 

[Steelers4Life]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

Going into last season they had lost 5 straight playoff games giving up 40.4 points per game in those five losses.

Not 25, not 30, not 35, but over 40 points per game.

And this year they were down 21-0 at halftime against Baltimore and had given up like 300 yards to 60 yards. Thankfully for Tomlin the Ravens kneeled it out inside our 15 at the end to show mercy or we'd given up 35 points.

Name any other coach in NFL history who survives that.

Marvin Lewis coached 16 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals he was 0-7 in the playoffs, didn't get fired, and then missed the playoffs entirely for another 3 seasons before getting fired. Lewis didn't win a playoff game in 16 years for the Bengals.

Did Marvin Lewis' teams average giving up over 40 points a game? The Steelers have been run off the field. We made Blake Bortles look like prime Mahomes.

Just so we're clear, you don't care that they lost the game, you care about the manner they lost. You'd be on board with Tomlin in perpetuity, if the Steelers would have only lost the games in a better manner?

No. But it's more egregious to be continually blown out even though Tomlin is a defensive minded coach.

Did you ever hear the saying, "You can't make chicken salad out of chicken ****?"

I think this may be a case where the talent on the team isn't as good as the fans may think it is.

Whatever talent level it is right now, the talent on the team has been good enough to win a playoff game in more than 2 of the past 14 seasons. Having a 1st ballot HOF QB for a majority of it and plenty of talent on both sides of the ball helped to hide his deficiencies, but they're glaring and obvious the second the talent level on the team drops. Why? Because the talent can't overcome his poor gameday management and his lack of any ability to hire powerful, innovative assistants.

There's a media driven narrative about him and he's been living off his early success for the better part of a decade now. Those of us who watch the team are well aware of the limitations on talent, but that has nothing do with his limitations as a coach.

 

[Snotbubbles]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

Going into last season they had lost 5 straight playoff games giving up 40.4 points per game in those five losses.

Not 25, not 30, not 35, but over 40 points per game.

And this year they were down 21-0 at halftime against Baltimore and had given up like 300 yards to 60 yards. Thankfully for Tomlin the Ravens kneeled it out inside our 15 at the end to show mercy or we'd given up 35 points.

Name any other coach in NFL history who survives that.

Marvin Lewis coached 16 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals he was 0-7 in the playoffs, didn't get fired, and then missed the playoffs entirely for another 3 seasons before getting fired. Lewis didn't win a playoff game in 16 years for the Bengals.

Did Marvin Lewis' teams average giving up over 40 points a game? The Steelers have been run off the field. We made Blake Bortles look like prime Mahomes.

Just so we're clear, you don't care that they lost the game, you care about the manner they lost. You'd be on board with Tomlin in perpetuity, if the Steelers would have only lost the games in a better manner?

No. But it's more egregious to be continually blown out even though Tomlin is a defensive minded coach.

Did you ever hear the saying, "You can't make chicken salad out of chicken ****?"

I think this may be a case where the talent on the team isn't as good as the fans may think it is.

Whatever talent level it is right now, the talent on the team has been good enough to win a playoff game in more than 2 of the past 14 seasons. Having a 1st ballot HOF QB for a majority of it and plenty of talent on both sides of the ball helped to hide his deficiencies, but they're glaring and obvious the second the talent level on the team drops. Why? Because the talent can't overcome his poor gameday management and his lack of any ability to hire powerful, innovative assistants.

There's a media driven narrative about him and he's been living off his early success for the better part of a decade now. Those of us who watch the team are well aware of the limitations on talent, but that has nothing do with his limitations as a coach.

In the NFL, you need talent to win.

 

[crushedspirit]

People forget the team was absolutely loaded on both sides of the ball and lost at home to Blake Bortles. HOF QB in Ben, plus first team all-pros in their prime on offense, Bell and Brown, they were a top-5 Offense. Heyward and TJ anchored the top-5 D.

Fast forward to the next playoff spectacle at home, where once again a top-5 fully loaded D was curb stomped early and often by Baker and Chubb. They had 3 WRs go over 800 yards that season, and a HOF Qb plus a viable Rb in Connor, so the O was good enough to get the job done.

It's just a repeat every year, and if the coach needs elite level talent all over plus elite coordinators every single time, then what's the point of the HC? He then becomes just a byproduct of what surrounds and carries him. This is a top paid defense every year, and yet they get humiliated come playoff time by everyone and anyone.

And the talent excuse didn't stop the Jags from beating them in 2017, or the #6 seed Falcons beating the Rams on the road. Titans also traveled into KC and won a playoff game.

In 2018, we saw the #5 and #6 teams in the AFC both win on the road, while #6 in the NFC did the same.

In 2019, we once again have the #5 and #6 teams in the NFC winning on the road, while the #6 in the AFC won 2 games on the road.

I could go on and on, but it just points to the fact that other franchises have at least managed to win one playoff game with similar or less talent come playoff time. This team couldn't win as the #2 seed at home in 2017 or the #3 seed at home in 2020. Now they're just squeaking in as #6 or #7 to earn a participation badge for finishing in the top 44% of their respective conference. When other opponents are telling you a major problem in the playoffs is your predictability and you do nothing to correct it, then there's a deeper issue at play pointing towards those in charge who will not deviate from their approach and strategy no matter if it's a regurgitated failure.

Nobody is taking away from his regular season successes, but there needs to be more or else you've settled for happiness in sports purgatory.

 

[brewer]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

Going into last season they had lost 5 straight playoff games giving up 40.4 points per game in those five losses.

Not 25, not 30, not 35, but over 40 points per game.

And this year they were down 21-0 at halftime against Baltimore and had given up like 300 yards to 60 yards. Thankfully for Tomlin the Ravens kneeled it out inside our 15 at the end to show mercy or we'd given up 35 points.

Name any other coach in NFL history who survives that.

Marvin Lewis coached 16 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals he was 0-7 in the playoffs, didn't get fired, and then missed the playoffs entirely for another 3 seasons before getting fired. Lewis didn't win a playoff game in 16 years for the Bengals.

Did Marvin Lewis' teams average giving up over 40 points a game? The Steelers have been run off the field. We made Blake Bortles look like prime Mahomes.

Just so we're clear, you don't care that they lost the game, you care about the manner they lost. You'd be on board with Tomlin in perpetuity, if the Steelers would have only lost the games in a better manner?

No. But it's more egregious to be continually blown out even though Tomlin is a defensive minded coach.

Did you ever hear the saying, "You can't make chicken salad out of chicken ****?"

I think this may be a case where the talent on the team isn't as good as the fans may think it is.

Whatever talent level it is right now, the talent on the team has been good enough to win a playoff game in more than 2 of the past 14 seasons. Having a 1st ballot HOF QB for a majority of it and plenty of talent on both sides of the ball helped to hide his deficiencies, but they're glaring and obvious the second the talent level on the team drops. Why? Because the talent can't overcome his poor gameday management and his lack of any ability to hire powerful, innovative assistants.

There's a media driven narrative about him and he's been living off his early success for the better part of a decade now. Those of us who watch the team are well aware of the limitations on talent, but that has nothing do with his limitations as a coach.

In the NFL, you need talent to win.

That 2017 team that lost to the Jaguars was loaded.

 

[Steelers4Life]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

Going into last season they had lost 5 straight playoff games giving up 40.4 points per game in those five losses.

Not 25, not 30, not 35, but over 40 points per game.

And this year they were down 21-0 at halftime against Baltimore and had given up like 300 yards to 60 yards. Thankfully for Tomlin the Ravens kneeled it out inside our 15 at the end to show mercy or we'd given up 35 points.

Name any other coach in NFL history who survives that.

Marvin Lewis coached 16 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals he was 0-7 in the playoffs, didn't get fired, and then missed the playoffs entirely for another 3 seasons before getting fired. Lewis didn't win a playoff game in 16 years for the Bengals.

Did Marvin Lewis' teams average giving up over 40 points a game? The Steelers have been run off the field. We made Blake Bortles look like prime Mahomes.

Just so we're clear, you don't care that they lost the game, you care about the manner they lost. You'd be on board with Tomlin in perpetuity, if the Steelers would have only lost the games in a better manner?

No. But it's more egregious to be continually blown out even though Tomlin is a defensive minded coach.

Did you ever hear the saying, "You can't make chicken salad out of chicken ****?"

I think this may be a case where the talent on the team isn't as good as the fans may think it is.

Whatever talent level it is right now, the talent on the team has been good enough to win a playoff game in more than 2 of the past 14 seasons. Having a 1st ballot HOF QB for a majority of it and plenty of talent on both sides of the ball helped to hide his deficiencies, but they're glaring and obvious the second the talent level on the team drops. Why? Because the talent can't overcome his poor gameday management and his lack of any ability to hire powerful, innovative assistants.

There's a media driven narrative about him and he's been living off his early success for the better part of a decade now. Those of us who watch the team are well aware of the limitations on talent, but that has nothing do with his limitations as a coach.

In the NFL, you need talent to win.

And he's had a TON of it over the last 14 years overall. And in those 14 years, he's won a playoff game in 2 of them. And all 3 of the wins were against backup QBs.

The narrative that he hasn't had talent stems from the last few years since Ben retired. And in part, thats true specifically at the QB position. It certainly wasn't true before that and his ineptitude dates back way before 2021.

And another part to that is that he chose to keep Matt Canada on as OC while trying to develop a rookie QB when it was clear he was an even worse OC than Pickett was as a QB. His decisions on coordinators are part of what has led to the lack of success over the past 14 years.

 

[tbsteel]

It’s fascinating how people point out that the Steelers managed to make the playoffs despite having a lackluster offense. However, what often goes overlooked is that their defense one of the highest-paid in the league in 2024 completely cratered last season. For all the investment in talent, they struggled when it mattered most, leaving fans wondering if their playoff berth was more a result of luck than performance. A team built on defensive dominance needs to step up in crucial moments, but last year, that simply didn’t happen. If they want to truly compete, they'll need both sides of the ball to deliver.

The poor defensive performances in the playoffs go back further than last year. I don't remember the exact stat, but the steelers have been blown out in the first quater of their last several playoff losses... somehting like an average ~20 - 0.... again, I don't remember the specifics, but the games have essentially been over in the first quarter.

Going into last season they had lost 5 straight playoff games giving up 40.4 points per game in those five losses.

Not 25, not 30, not 35, but over 40 points per game.

And this year they were down 21-0 at halftime against Baltimore and had given up like 300 yards to 60 yards. Thankfully for Tomlin the Ravens kneeled it out inside our 15 at the end to show mercy or we'd given up 35 points.

Name any other coach in NFL history who survives that.

Marvin Lewis coached 16 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals he was 0-7 in the playoffs, didn't get fired, and then missed the playoffs entirely for another 3 seasons before getting fired. Lewis didn't win a playoff game in 16 years for the Bengals.

Did Marvin Lewis' teams average giving up over 40 points a game? The Steelers have been run off the field. We made Blake Bortles look like prime Mahomes.

Just so we're clear, you don't care that they lost the game, you care about the manner they lost. You'd be on board with Tomlin in perpetuity, if the Steelers would have only lost the games in a better manner?

I don't see why this is a difficult concept to grasp, unless you're just trying to be a contrarian for contrarian's sake.

Yes, it definitely does make a difference. If a team looks like a JV team going up against Varsity and gets wiped off the field as the Steelers have done now in 6 straight playoff games going back close to a decade at this point, that is a hell of a lot worse and a hell of a lot more telling than if they're going blow-for-blow with another great team and just don't get a bounce that goes their way or just come up a bit short.

The first team is so much further away from being a legitimate contender than the second team despite the same results on the W-L column. When your goal is to win championships, and if you're trying to honestly evaluate your team and coaching staff, hell yeah that matters.