HC Mike Tomlin, PIT (2 Viewers)

[Steelers4Life]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

An offensive minded head coach who has a philosophy capable of contending in today's NFL, not just being able to win enough games to be competitive in the regular season but an afterthought in the playoffs. The Steelers' style of play is antiquated and leaves them unable to compete with teams capable of actually winning in the playoffs.

Id rather they take a shot on a coach like that and fail than stick with this style of play.

That's what Tomlin's teams have become. It's been like that for a long time now. The same complaints people had about him a decade ago - lack of innovation, inability to hire assistants, poor clock management, poor adjustments, lack of discipline, showing up flat for big games... they still apply today. He hasn't adjusted, and he hasn't won.

 

[3C's]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

 

[BoltNlava]

The GM needs to go

I'd give Kahn and A+ grade.

I'll go with this article title as a response

Steelers' General Manager has become the biggest 'Khan Artist' to fans

Many have praised the Steelers' general manager since he took over, but Omar Khan deserves part of the blame directed toward head coach Mike Tomlin.

stillcurtain.com

Man, that's a terrible article. But either way, even if it actually made solid points, it's one person's opinion and frankly a a hardcore Steeler fan I don't assume that person knows more then I would about the team.

I will say again I've give him an A+. I think he's done an awesome job on the last few years drafts. He's made some awesome trades, like the Claypool deal. He's been properly aggressive. What they did at QB this year, considering the options, was terrific for the cost.

What you and whoever wrote that article don't seem to take into account is he inherited an old and sorry roster for a head coach who demands winning right now. It's not like he was in position to take a long range viewpoint on a lot of these picks. I think he's done an awesome job. Trying to build the team the right way, strong on the OL's.

Nobody in the GM role on an NFL team should be clipping coupons at QB.

 

[BeTheMatch]

The roster seems like the problem. And I don't believe Tomlin gets the bulk of the blame for that.

 

[metoo]

I think we finally get a divorce that many Steeler fans have been wanting.

 

[BeTheMatch]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

 

[JohnnyU]

I think we finally get a divorce that many Steeler fans have been wanting.

They need to be careful what they wish for.

 

[3C's]

I think we finally get a divorce that many Steeler fans have been wanting.

I don't. Unless Tomlin throws in the towel (not likely) he's there for another 5-10 years.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

not patting my back too much but I told you so many pages back only for people to say he sucks as a head coach and he won’t finish with a .500 record. Keep checking my messages but no apologies which is fine. With little talent they are in the playoffs the people who said they needed to fire him and won’t finish .500 or above thank god don’t run a football program.
Again I’m not even a Steeler fan just can’t stand horrible clueless takes hope many learned a lesson but not holding my breath.

Uh huh...well just so you know you weren't the only one sticking up for him

I have to be one of the biggest Doubting Thomas types when it comes to Mike Tomlin but if I am being honest, Tomlin has done more to earn my respect in the last 1-2 seasons than the other 8-10 combined. I gave him about as much credit for Pitt winning a SB under him as I did MM in Green Bay but the last couple seasons and his ability to navigate and I think showcase his leadership and forward thinking in acquiring Fitzpatrick which never left the dude's radar from the minute they didn't get him in the Draft, he never took his sights off of him...I say this with respect, Tomlin will eventually be a Front Office Force if he ever decides to run that way. Steelers will have a hard time filling the shoes that filled for Cowher which filled for Noll? I can't think of any other Head Coaches which if you go back to when Noll first was coaching, are really looking at 3 Head Coaches since 1969? I almost gotta sit down when I think about that.

I think Tomlin has proven he is better than most, maybe not as good as some but certainly better than most and that's better than most NFL Head Coches...how many have come and gone since Tomlin was installed as Head Coach for the Steelers? Hundreds? Probably...

That was 2019, and I would like to pat myself on the back


-All jokes aside, the Steelers didn't look very good winning 10 games and most teams want to fly them in for the opening Wildcard Weekend
Kinda bummed Miami didn't draw them.

Don't have much to add at this point
I understand the fans on here being frustrated, I also know many would like to have Tomlin as their head coach
It's been almost 2 decades, maybe it is time for the ownership to start thinking about their next head coach

-I'm sure if certain hot names right now for head coaches, if any of them knew Pittsburgh were a possible landing spot they would pack their bags tomorrow
I think this makes Pittsburgh unique and please hear me out
Not only do they have a head coach they could likely trade for a draft pick although for some reason that feels dirty
The Steelers also are a very well respected organization and most coaches would give their eye teeth to work for the Rooneys
Let's all tip our caps to Pittsburgh, rare organization in the NFL that has done it the same way for a long time, maybe they need a change in order to evolve

But let's not pretend Mike Tomlin isn't a Top 10 Head Coach in the NFL, he would be unemployed about as long as it took to walk from the front offices to his car in the parking lot
There's no reason to hate on him, be proud of what you all have accomplished over 18+ seasons with him.
I support those who want change but understand that you might go backwards at first

 

[3C's]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

Money talks. And he'd know he's there for the long haul versus many of the other openings that hire and fire coaches every few years. Eventually, they'll hit on another BR.

How many of the other openings have now and future QBs? Jacksonville, but that's a crap fest. Chicago, but going to a rival? And their track record lately isn't too good.

 

[BeTheMatch]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

Money talks. And he'd know he's there for the long haul versus many of the other openings that hire and fire coaches every few years. Eventually, they'll hit on another BR.

How many of the other openings have now and future QBs? Jacksonville, but that's a crap fest. Chicago, but going to a rival? And their track record lately isn't too good.

He'll get money no matter where he goes. It's the NFL. He's the hot target. He gets his choice basically unless he bombs his interviews. He's not picking Pittsburgh.

 

[sm8680]

Chuck Knoll wasn't gifted a Superbowl contending team.

Neither was Bill Cowher.

Keep in mind Superbowl contending teams with elite QBs tend to retain their head coach.

Chuck drafted Terry, Bill drafted Ben, unfortunately Mike drafted Kenny. 2 out of 3 hits is pretty good. Of course there's others but those are the big 3 names who were drafted under their respective head coach.

 

[metoo]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

Money talks. And he'd know he's there for the long haul versus many of the other openings that hire and fire coaches every few years. Eventually, they'll hit on another BR.

How many of the other openings have now and future QBs? Jacksonville, but that's a crap fest. Chicago, but going to a rival? And their track record lately isn't too good.

I didn’t think they would make the playoffs before the season but they played flat last night. Maybe he sits out a year and waits for the 2026 QBs.

 

[sm8680]

You guys kill me you don't see the inherent MT flaws. Always an excuse. The NFL is all about statistics. Playoff wins can result in Superbowl wins. Is a Middling coach a top 3 coach or even a top 10 coach. Even top 10 might be stretching it.

 

[JohnnyU]

You guys kill me you don't see the inherent MT flaws. Always an excuse. The NFL is all about statistics. Playoff wins can result in Superbowl wins. Is a Middling coach a top 3 coach or even a top 10 coach. Even top 10 might be stretching it.

Don Shula says, “hold my beer”.

 

[3C's]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

Money talks. And he'd know he's there for the long haul versus many of the other openings that hire and fire coaches every few years. Eventually, they'll hit on another BR.

How many of the other openings have now and future QBs? Jacksonville, but that's a crap fest. Chicago, but going to a rival? And their track record lately isn't too good.

He'll get money no matter where he goes. It's the NFL. He's the hot target. He gets his choice basically unless he bombs his interviews. He's not picking Pittsburgh.

Jets? Raiders? Saints? Sure...

 

[crushedspirit]

He can't build a team from the ground up like Cowher and Noll could, so he'll need most of the major pieces in place before his red carpet arrival.

 

[Steelers4Life]

not patting my back too much but I told you so many pages back only for people to say he sucks as a head coach and he won’t finish with a .500 record. Keep checking my messages but no apologies which is fine. With little talent they are in the playoffs the people who said they needed to fire him and won’t finish .500 or above thank god don’t run a football program.
Again I’m not even a Steeler fan just can’t stand horrible clueless takes hope many learned a lesson but not holding my breath.

Uh huh...well just so you know you weren't the only one sticking up for him

I have to be one of the biggest Doubting Thomas types when it comes to Mike Tomlin but if I am being honest, Tomlin has done more to earn my respect in the last 1-2 seasons than the other 8-10 combined. I gave him about as much credit for Pitt winning a SB under him as I did MM in Green Bay but the last couple seasons and his ability to navigate and I think showcase his leadership and forward thinking in acquiring Fitzpatrick which never left the dude's radar from the minute they didn't get him in the Draft, he never took his sights off of him...I say this with respect, Tomlin will eventually be a Front Office Force if he ever decides to run that way. Steelers will have a hard time filling the shoes that filled for Cowher which filled for Noll? I can't think of any other Head Coaches which if you go back to when Noll first was coaching, are really looking at 3 Head Coaches since 1969? I almost gotta sit down when I think about that.

I think Tomlin has proven he is better than most, maybe not as good as some but certainly better than most and that's better than most NFL Head Coches...how many have come and gone since Tomlin was installed as Head Coach for the Steelers? Hundreds? Probably...

That was 2019, and I would like to pat myself on the back


-All jokes aside, the Steelers didn't look very good winning 10 games and most teams want to fly them in for the opening Wildcard Weekend
Kinda bummed Miami didn't draw them.

Don't have much to add at this point
I understand the fans on here being frustrated, I also know many would like to have Tomlin as their head coach
It's been almost 2 decades, maybe it is time for the ownership to start thinking about their next head coach

-I'm sure if certain hot names right now for head coaches, if any of them knew Pittsburgh were a possible landing spot they would pack their bags tomorrow
I think this makes Pittsburgh unique and please hear me out
Not only do they have a head coach they could likely trade for a draft pick although for some reason that feels dirty
The Steelers also are a very well respected organization and most coaches would give their eye teeth to work for the Rooneys
Let's all tip our caps to Pittsburgh, rare organization in the NFL that has done it the same way for a long time, maybe they need a change in order to evolve

But let's not pretend Mike Tomlin isn't a Top 10 Head Coach in the NFL, he would be unemployed about as long as it took to walk from the front offices to his car in the parking lot
There's no reason to hate on him, be proud of what you all have accomplished over 18+ seasons with him.
I support those who want change but understand that you might go backwards at first

There are a lot of "lesser" coaches who could've walked into the situation Tomlin did and had similar success. The previous season, the Steelers were only 8-8 because thst was the year of Ben's motorcycle accident. But the team was 26-6 in the 2 prior years with a Super Bowl win. Tomlin continued the success with a roster that was full of veterans, leaders, and Pro-Bowlers. And then, those players moved on and so did the success. But Tomlin's reputation was already cemented.

And there are a lot of "lesser" coaches who could've led the Steelers to similar success since 2011 too. Ben was still a good QB through 2020 (minus 2019 when he was hurt). The Steelers have won a playoff game in only 2 years since 2011. TWO. And 2 of those 3 wins came in 1 year because they faced Matt Moore and AJ McCarron.

If Tomlin's coaching career had started in 2011 instead of 2007, he'd have been fired a while ago. And he certainly wouldn't have the reputation he has now. I'm not sure he's a top 10 coach in the NFL, but there are plenty who he's better than. He's drastically lowered the Steelers standard in the past 15 years.

 

[menobrown]

The GM needs to go

I'd give Kahn and A+ grade.

I'll go with this article title as a response

Steelers' General Manager has become the biggest 'Khan Artist' to fans

Many have praised the Steelers' general manager since he took over, but Omar Khan deserves part of the blame directed toward head coach Mike Tomlin.

stillcurtain.com

Man, that's a terrible article. But either way, even if it actually made solid points, it's one person's opinion and frankly a a hardcore Steeler fan I don't assume that person knows more then I would about the team.

I will say again I've give him an A+. I think he's done an awesome job on the last few years drafts. He's made some awesome trades, like the Claypool deal. He's been properly aggressive. What they did at QB this year, considering the options, was terrific for the cost.

What you and whoever wrote that article don't seem to take into account is he inherited an old and sorry roster for a head coach who demands winning right now. It's not like he was in position to take a long range viewpoint on a lot of these picks. I think he's done an awesome job. Trying to build the team the right way, strong on the OL's.

Nobody in the GM role on an NFL team should be clipping coupons at QB.

Weak.

 

[Yenrub]

He can't build a team from the ground up like Cowher and Noll could, so he'll need most of the major pieces in place before his red carpet arrival.

Were/are all Steelers head coaches also the General Manager?

 

[Yenrub]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

Isn't not having a QB the primary reason for the current lack of playoff success?

 

[Steelers4Life]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

Isn't not having a QB the primary reason for the current lack of playoff success?

What was the reason from 2011 to 2020? Ben was great for every one of those seasons except when he was hurt in 2019.

It's not just the QB. It's the coaching philosophy. It's game mismanagement. It's not being prepared and playing flat. It's an inability to hire good assistant coaches.

It's always easier to blame anyone except Tomlin, because the Steelers won't move on from him no matter how many years removed from relevance they are.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

The GM needs to go

I'd give Kahn and A+ grade.

I'll go with this article title as a response

Steelers' General Manager has become the biggest 'Khan Artist' to fans

Many have praised the Steelers' general manager since he took over, but Omar Khan deserves part of the blame directed toward head coach Mike Tomlin.

stillcurtain.com

Man, that's a terrible article. But either way, even if it actually made solid points, it's one person's opinion and frankly a a hardcore Steeler fan I don't assume that person knows more then I would about the team.

I will say again I've give him an A+. I think he's done an awesome job on the last few years drafts. He's made some awesome trades, like the Claypool deal. He's been properly aggressive. What they did at QB this year, considering the options, was terrific for the cost.

What you and whoever wrote that article don't seem to take into account is he inherited an old and sorry roster for a head coach who demands winning right now. It's not like he was in position to take a long range viewpoint on a lot of these picks. I think he's done an awesome job. Trying to build the team the right way, strong on the OL's.

Nobody in the GM role on an NFL team should be clipping coupons at QB.

Weak.

Fairly, yeah.

IMO, the one thing Khan can legitimately be gigged harshly for so far during his tenure was his miscalculating the trade/FA market for WRs a year ago.

He gutted their WR room with, seemingly, the sole plan of acquiring Brandon Ayiuk and "somebody from the draft" as a means to restock/retool. When the Ayiuk stuff fell apart, and their one drafted WR was a healthy scratch for most of the year, well...what we saw happen happened.

Outside of that, anyone can argue any particular player acquired/drafted, but I don't have a ton of complaints with his methodology to this point: He's looked heavily into investing in the lines, he's pretty well versed in/not afraid of analytics, etc.

It would be pretty interesting to hear what his 100% honest feelings are about their current situation vis a vis Colbert's final year or two on the job (i.e. once he'd clearly "lost his fastball" and was just fishing for miracles to give Ben another ring). Like...what would a HC/OC/DC he hired on his own even look like in the aggregate? Would they even, philosphically, resemble the current Steeler setup, or nah? We'll never hear anything like that, of course, but it'd be interesting.

 

[Yenrub]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

Isn't not having a QB the primary reason for the current lack of playoff success?

What was the reason from 2011 to 2020? Ben was great for every one of those seasons except when he was hurt in 2019.

It's not just the QB. It's the coaching philosophy. It's game mismanagement. It's not being prepared and playing flat. It's an inability to hire good assistant coaches.

It's always easier to blame anyone except Tomlin, because the Steelers won't move on from him no matter how many years removed from relevance they are.

I’m not saying that Tomlin is without blame for some of the playoff losses. The loss to Tebow comes to mind quickly.
But you are acting like they didn’t win any playoff games with Ben at QB during that time period. Or like Ben was the superior QB in all the playoff games they lost during that period.
Sometimes you run into a team that is flat out better than you are, see yesterday as an example.

 

[crushedspirit]

People ask about current coaches. I can think of a few I would rather have, but Reid, McVay, Shanny, and LaFleur would be top of the list. There's at least another 5 out there, but I would swap with any of those 4 without hesitation.

 

[Steelers4Life]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

Isn't not having a QB the primary reason for the current lack of playoff success?

What was the reason from 2011 to 2020? Ben was great for every one of those seasons except when he was hurt in 2019.

It's not just the QB. It's the coaching philosophy. It's game mismanagement. It's not being prepared and playing flat. It's an inability to hire good assistant coaches.

It's always easier to blame anyone except Tomlin, because the Steelers won't move on from him no matter how many years removed from relevance they are.

I’m not saying that Tomlin is without blame for some of the playoff losses. The loss to Tebow comes to mind quickly.
But you are acting like they didn’t win any playoff games with Ben at QB during that time period. Or like Ben was the superior QB in all the playoff games they lost during that period.
Sometimes you run into a team that is flat out better than you are, see yesterday as an example.

They won 3 playoff games during the period from 2011 to 2020. None since then either, obviously. Ben was hurt in 2019 and limited in 2021. Tomlin's success as a head coach in the playoffs basically ended 2011 as the core of talent he inherited disappared.

They beat AJ McCarron and the Bengals in 2015 when Burfict basically handed the Steelers the game in the final minutes. And they beat Matt Moore and Alex Smith in 2016.

Several of the losses have been as big home favorites. They've come to QBs including Garrard, Bortles, Mayfield (vs Cleveland), Flacco, and Tebow. Its not a case of being beaten consistently by better teams and it's not always the QB either. Its the same lack of preparation, fight and discipline his teams always show in the playoffs. I dont expect anyone who doesn't follow the team and hears the national media narrative to understand.

 

[amnesiac]

as a Browns fan, I will continue to take comfort in the fact that they never fire Tomlin.

 

[pghrob]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

That is the great mystery to be discovered by the Steelers being dissatisfied with their status quo existence these past 7 years where they keep failing to realistically pass any objective assessment about whether or not they are making real progress or not towards the stated mission of winning their 7th Super Bowl title.

 

[Godsbrother]

The GM needs to go. Not the coach.

Call out the GM for not having alphas on offense!
If there isn't an outcry you will definitely be sold free agent NWI as a starting WR.

Ya gotta stir it up about the GM not the coach

Khan has been GM for only 2 years, the bulk of this team is not on him. Tomlin’s been around 18 and has a lot of input as to who they draft. The current makeup of this team has Tomlin’s fingerprints all over it.

Khan deserves some blame for not securing a #2 WR but it wasn’t for lack of trying. And let’s face it, the problems on this team go well beyond that shortcoming

 

[Yenrub]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

Isn't not having a QB the primary reason for the current lack of playoff success?

What was the reason from 2011 to 2020? Ben was great for every one of those seasons except when he was hurt in 2019.

It's not just the QB. It's the coaching philosophy. It's game mismanagement. It's not being prepared and playing flat. It's an inability to hire good assistant coaches.

It's always easier to blame anyone except Tomlin, because the Steelers won't move on from him no matter how many years removed from relevance they are.

I’m not saying that Tomlin is without blame for some of the playoff losses. The loss to Tebow comes to mind quickly.
But you are acting like they didn’t win any playoff games with Ben at QB during that time period. Or like Ben was the superior QB in all the playoff games they lost during that period.
Sometimes you run into a team that is flat out better than you are, see yesterday as an example.

They won 3 playoff games during the period from 2011 to 2020. None since then either, obviously. Ben was hurt in 2019 and limited in 2021. Tomlin's success as a head coach in the playoffs basically ended 2011 as the core of talent he inherited disappared.

They beat AJ McCarron and the Bengals in 2015 when Burfict basically handed the Steelers the game in the final minutes. And they beat Matt Moore and Alex Smith in 2016.

Several of the losses have been as big home favorites. They've come to QBs including Garrard, Bortles, Mayfield (vs Cleveland), Flacco, and Tebow. Its not a case of being beaten consistently by better teams and it's not always the QB either. Its the same lack of preparation, fight and discipline his teams always show in the playoffs. I dont expect anyone who doesn't follow the team and hears the national media narrative to understand.

Yeah I’m not a Steelers fan – I’m Steelers fan adjacent, my brother, best friend and about 4 league mates are Steeler fans.
I kind of remember the Browns game, not sure I would blame the coach when your pro bowl center (not sure if he made the pro bowl that year) air mails the 1st snap of the game over the QB’s head for a Browns TD and then the next possession your QB throws a pick in your own territory.

Didn’t the loss to Garrad happen outside the window you mentioned and before winning the Super Bowl?

Anyway in reference to the recent playoff struggles, I think QB is a bigger problem than coaching is for the Steelers.

 

[Tau837]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

Money talks. And he'd know he's there for the long haul versus many of the other openings that hire and fire coaches every few years. Eventually, they'll hit on another BR.

How many of the other openings have now and future QBs? Jacksonville, but that's a crap fest. Chicago, but going to a rival? And their track record lately isn't too good.

They don't have to have the QB today. They have to either have the QB or have a path to the QB. PIT has no path to the QB, which means they are likely out for Ben J.

 

[3C's]

And, this just may be relevant, who are you going to replace him with?

Someone offensive minded. Ben Johnson is the current hot name. Throw the bank at him.

He's not going to a team with no QB.

Money talks. And he'd know he's there for the long haul versus many of the other openings that hire and fire coaches every few years. Eventually, they'll hit on another BR.

How many of the other openings have now and future QBs? Jacksonville, but that's a crap fest. Chicago, but going to a rival? And their track record lately isn't too good.

They don't have to have the QB today. They have to either have the QB or have a path to the QB. PIT has no path to the QB, which means they are likely out for Ben J.

They seemingly had no path to a qb when they drafted Ben either. And the Packers and Ravens got their HOF qb in the 20s. So it can happen, even if it's less common.

 

[pinkstapler]

Tomlin is a good coach. It's time for he and Steelers to both move on. Both those statements can be true and IMO are. It reminds me of 2012 when Lurie decided not to renew Andy Reid's contract. It's not because he was a bad coach, far from it. But both parties needed a change. And while I think it would be foolish to predict the same exact outcome for us and Tomlin; the Eagles went on to win their first superbowl ever 4 years later and have continued being a major contender in that division, and we all know how it's been working out for Andy Reid since.

The NFL is one of the few sports leagues where it's difficult to be average. Teams tend to either stink, or be serious contenders. We have managed to be mired in mediocrity for years now. At this point, I'd rather just stink and get some better draft capital because without having a top 5-6 pick and have other organizations be willing to trade for future picks on the prospect they will also be high picks; we'll never get another swing at a QB. And without a QB you're not winning anything. The average to bad QBs who've have SB success are the exception, not the rule.

Someone brought up the Tomlin coaching tree, and I don't watch ESPN so maybe it is talked about there more, but I don't think it's stated enough. He makes poor hires, and hires of people who are boring, dry toast, 20+ year old philosophy type guys who either never will be great or are far past their prime of greatness. It's fine for Tomlin to not be an X's and O's guy, but they he needs to hire someone who is. The fact that the only two highly successful coaches he's worked with were both inherited (Arians and LeBeau), and that not one coach from the organization has even been whispered of being wanted by another organization is very telling.

And Steelers fans need to stop trying/caring to try to explain what it is to have high standards to fans of other organizations. It will never work. Browns/Bears/Raiders/etc. fans will almost NEVER understand the situation because they are loser organizations with incredibly low standards who would run over their mother if it meant sniffing a playoff game. We aren't just on a different page, we are in a different book. No offense meant to those fans, and some are able to look objectively at the situation and understand. But most will never comprehend the frustration of being one and done year in and year out with no improvement in sight because they haven't been able to even root for a competent team in decades. We just have different priorities and expectations. Grass is always greener yada yada yada.

 

[Big Nate]

not patting my back too much but I told you so many pages back only for people to say he sucks as a head coach and he won’t finish with a .500 record. Keep checking my messages but no apologies which is fine. With little talent they are in the playoffs the people who said they needed to fire him and won’t finish .500 or above thank god don’t run a football program.
Again I’m not even a Steeler fan just can’t stand horrible clueless takes hope many learned a lesson but not holding my breath.

Uh huh...well just so you know you weren't the only one sticking up for him

I have to be one of the biggest Doubting Thomas types when it comes to Mike Tomlin but if I am being honest, Tomlin has done more to earn my respect in the last 1-2 seasons than the other 8-10 combined. I gave him about as much credit for Pitt winning a SB under him as I did MM in Green Bay but the last couple seasons and his ability to navigate and I think showcase his leadership and forward thinking in acquiring Fitzpatrick which never left the dude's radar from the minute they didn't get him in the Draft, he never took his sights off of him...I say this with respect, Tomlin will eventually be a Front Office Force if he ever decides to run that way. Steelers will have a hard time filling the shoes that filled for Cowher which filled for Noll? I can't think of any other Head Coaches which if you go back to when Noll first was coaching, are really looking at 3 Head Coaches since 1969? I almost gotta sit down when I think about that.

I think Tomlin has proven he is better than most, maybe not as good as some but certainly better than most and that's better than most NFL Head Coches...how many have come and gone since Tomlin was installed as Head Coach for the Steelers? Hundreds? Probably...

That was 2019, and I would like to pat myself on the back


-All jokes aside, the Steelers didn't look very good winning 10 games and most teams want to fly them in for the opening Wildcard Weekend
Kinda bummed Miami didn't draw them.

Don't have much to add at this point
I understand the fans on here being frustrated, I also know many would like to have Tomlin as their head coach
It's been almost 2 decades, maybe it is time for the ownership to start thinking about their next head coach

-I'm sure if certain hot names right now for head coaches, if any of them knew Pittsburgh were a possible landing spot they would pack their bags tomorrow
I think this makes Pittsburgh unique and please hear me out
Not only do they have a head coach they could likely trade for a draft pick although for some reason that feels dirty
The Steelers also are a very well respected organization and most coaches would give their eye teeth to work for the Rooneys
Let's all tip our caps to Pittsburgh, rare organization in the NFL that has done it the same way for a long time, maybe they need a change in order to evolve

But let's not pretend Mike Tomlin isn't a Top 10 Head Coach in the NFL, he would be unemployed about as long as it took to walk from the front offices to his car in the parking lot
There's no reason to hate on him, be proud of what you all have accomplished over 18+ seasons with him.
I support those who want change but understand that you might go backwards at first

Well said. Teams would be lining up for him in a heartbeat.

Maybe the Steelers feel they need a change, shake things up.

I will say this though, there is a very high chance the next coach the Steelers get is not better than Tomlin. He manages people and personalities better than anyone. He also has created a very good team culture and the players respect him.

If they get rid of Tomlin they will hope to find someone as good as him to replace him.

 

[menobrown]

Was reading an article that described Tomlin as raising the Steelers floor while lowering their ceiling and I thought that was a perfect way to phrase it.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Was reading an article that described Tomlin as raising the Steelers floor while lowering their ceiling and I thought that was a perfect way to phrase it.

I read that (if you're referencing the Athletic article), too, and thought it was an apt description of the way things are at this point.

 

[brewer]

The last time that Mike won a playoff game was 2016. There are only 6 coaches who have been coaching at their current team for that long. Mike leads the list obviously. The others are:

Harbaugh - Ravens - just whooped Tomlin this year
Andy Reid - Chiefs - won SB last year
Sean McDermott - Bills - Just destroyed the Broncos and destroyed the Steelers last year in the playoffs.
Sean McVay - Rams - host the Vikings tonight in Arizona, won 2021 season SB
Kyle Shanahan - 49ers - lost the SB last year

Point being, this is absolutely a results driven league, and at the moment, Mike is not getting the results.

Yes, I think he is a great leader of men, and I do not discount the never having a losing season thing, I actually think that is amazing. But as he likes to say, the standard is the standard, and in Pittsburgh, that is winning playoff games.

I'm getting old, but from 1995-2011, the Steelers went to 8 of the 16 AFC Championship games and went to 4 Super Bowls.

We are absolutely spoiled in Pittsburgh. The playoff record is not acceptable and it's not like you can look at the team and say, boy, they are close. They are not, in the last 3 playoff losses, they were beaten by 14, 14 and 21 points respectively.

The next hire will probably not be as good of a man or a leader, but it's probably time to try something different. That being said, that is not how the Rooneys operate, so I expect Mike to leave when he decides it's time.

 

[Kiddnets]

Myself and a ton of Jets fans will swing by to pick him up on a moments notice.

 

[BeTheMatch]

I can't help but somehow think it's the players who are mostly responsible for the outcome of games. How has Belichick looked without Brady?

You blame Tomlin for only being able to win with a great QB and not being able to win with crappy ones (which he didn't draft or trade for since he's not the GM)? That's the same for every coach ever.

And l'll continue to say that Tomlin getting these recent teams to the playoffs is basically a coaching miracle.

 

[belljr]

The reality is - everyone wants to be the Chiefs/Bills old Pats current Lions

But in reality thats easier said then done. Yes some changes probably need to be made but it is an accomplishment to make the playoffs every season when they get destroyed anyway.

When team like the Browns or Jets make the playoffs every so often. Heck the commanders haven't won a playoff game in 30 years until yesterday?

I have a hard time between feeling spoiled and disgruntled

 

[3C's]

Teams would be lining up for him in a heartbeat.

Okay, let them line up.

Suppose people might have thought the same of Belichik until recently.

 

[Desert_Power]

I'm torn on this one. Seems like the biggest factor in the "decline" of Pittsburgh from being a contender is the loss of an explosive offense. Hanging on to Ben too long, hiring/keeping OCs that don't belong in this millennia. If those decisions are on Tomlin, then I get the upset the fans have.

Me? I just know that I expect to make money off them being underrated to start the season next year.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Myself and a ton of Jets fans will swing by to pick him up on a moments notice.

Let’s say you’re the GM of the Jets. What would you be willing to give up to get him?

 

[Big Nate]

Teams would be lining up for him in a heartbeat.

Okay, let them line up.

Suppose people might have thought the same of Belichik until recently.

Nope, Billy B is done and I said so. The NFL has passed Bill by. Tomlin is still a good coach.

But the Steeler fans seem to want him gone and maybe they need a change of pace. I just look at most of the names being tossed around for the open teams and it is gross, like really gross.

Tomlin will have his choice of jobs when he is let go from PIT. And PIT better hope they can replace him with someone good.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I can't help but somehow think it's the players who are mostly responsible for the outcome of games. How has Belichick looked without Brady?

You blame Tomlin for only being able to win with a great QB and not being able to win with crappy ones (which he didn't draft or trade for since he's not the GM)? That's the same for every coach ever.

And l'll continue to say that Tomlin getting these recent teams to the playoffs is basically a coaching miracle.

The players and talent is absolutely the driving factor. But when you don’t have that edge, next best thing is to have a coach who can outcoached the opponent. This is where Tomlin has fallen short time after time in the playoffs. Punting on 4th and an inch down 2 scores against a potent offense? Come on! That’s just one example and there are plenty.

 

[3C's]

The NFL has passed Bill by. Tomlin is still a good coach.

You realize that Tomlin is a ball control, run the ball, play "tough" D coach. Talk about being passed by.

 

[zamboni]

And l'll continue to say that Tomlin getting these recent teams to the playoffs is basically a coaching miracle.

Fully agree. Everyone focuses on the grand prize, but only one team can win it and only one conference champion to the title game. Some may call his longstanding success proven consistent mediocrity, but his ability to keep putting somewhat mediocre teams in the mix, in an organization that is kind of stuck in the dark ages, is pretty damn impressive.

 

[McBokonon]

And l'll continue to say that Tomlin getting these recent teams to the playoffs is basically a coaching miracle.

I agree with this, but the GM doesn't work in a vacuum. The make-up of the teams that Tomlin has been miraculously getting results from is, in large part, in a "needs a miracle" situation due to his own involvement in the construction of the team and definitely his coaching staff hires.

All of these are true:

1. The Steelers roster hasn't been good enough to contend for a Super Bowl in a very long time, and it's not just at QB.
2.This is the fault of past GM's AND Tomlin (and, if the rumors are true, the owners for insisting on drafting Pickett when we should have been going through a rebuild.)
3. Tomlin is a good coach and great players' coach. Might be a Top 5-8 coach in the NFL.
4. However, Tomlin is a disaster at in game management, which might be ok if he hired a decent coaching staff to take some of that off his hands, which brings us to
5. Tomlin's coordinators have been terrible, almost universally. They are stuck in eras past.

I like Tomlin and have been more than patient, but it's time. However, I fear it's also the ownership who keeps us mired in dinosaur-ball so we'll see what happens.

 

[Kiddnets]

Myself and a ton of Jets fans will swing by to pick him up on a moments notice.

Let’s say you’re the GM of the Jets. What would you be willing to give up to get him?

I personally wouldnt give up the #7 for him but id consider a 2d this year which is pretty early and a mid rder the following year - not bad if they truly dont want him

 

[Kiddnets]

Steelers usually hire from within - Steelers fans want an offensive coach with HC experience? Arthur Smith coming right up!