The Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the worst ends to the 2024 season throughout the entire NFL. The team was once in play to win the AFC North, and it was even thought to have a chance at the one-seed in the AFC, but it was obvious that would never happen. The Steelers ended the year by losing their final four regular season games, and then getting absolutely embarrassed in the Wild Card round by the Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh lost the game 28-14, but many fans are questioning the future of Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin and Cam Heyward ahead of a 2024 clash with the Baltimore Ravens during the regular season.
The Steelers last playoff win came at the end of the 2016 NFL season, meaning a Tomlin-coached team has not advanced in the postseason throughout the last eight seasons. Over his 18-year career as a head coach he has won a playoff game in just four seasons.
If any other coach went on an eight year dry-streak in the playoffs, they would be fired. Much of the fanbase is calling for Tomlin's job, but NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on Sunday morning on Sunday NFL Countdown thats fans shouldn't expect a change.
"Well last week we said there would be teams that would check into the availability of Mike Tomlin, and one did." Schefter said. "One was told that Mike Tomlin has a no-trade clause in his contract. So anything that would happen in Pittsburgh with Mike Tomlin would come with his consent. A loss like last night's might further teams to look into it. There's no indication at all the Steelers are moving on from Mike Tomlin."
Pittsburgh fans are certainly frustrated with the lack of results from the Steelers over the last several years. The rest of the NFL sees Tomlin's 18-year stretch of non-losing seasons as gold, while most Pittsburgh fans are completely sick of it. The consistent mediocrity makes it impossible to get a good draft pick, and it tells the organization that nothing is wrong.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin ahead of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.
Steelers' Tomlin Will Probably Be Back In 2025
Tomlin signed a contract extension ahead of the 2024 season, and he is signed in Pittsburgh through the 2027 season. There has been some chatter about Pittsburgh considering trading him away, but that is near impossible considering his no-trade clause. The coach could waive the clause, so if he were to be traded it would be a mutual parting of ways. He is a good coach, but it is likely time for change. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like it is coming.
Sometimes the voice in the room gets old and stale
— Booger (@ESPNBooger) January 12, 2025
Tomlin will go down as one of the better coaches of all time, but his message has gotten old. When the Steelers are on the field with Baltimore or some of the other high-powered offenses throughout the league, Pittsburgh looks like it is multiple decades behind the rest of the NFL. It is completely embarrassing, but it doesn't seem any changes will be made.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a snowy game in Cleveland during the 2024 season.
The Steelers would either need to fire or trade Tomlin. Obviously trading is difficult due to the no-trade clause that is written into his contract. However, there are a lot of needy franchises out there with vacancies at head coach. These organization's could get desperate and throw an offer in Pittsburgh's direction that can't be refused.
The head coaching position in Pittsburgh is highly respected, especially since the Steelers have only had three head coaches since 1969. Ownership loves that concept of loyalty, which makes it hard to imagine Tomlin isn't on the sidelines in Pittsburgh in 2025. After 18 years of staying at or above .500, Tomlin is probably able to stay with the Steelers for however long he wants.
What do you see in the future for Tomlin? Let us know in the comments below!
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