Steelers' Organization And Mike Tomlin Look Terrible After Recent Happenings In Houston

The Pittsburgh Steelers clearly have some issues that need to be figured out after ending the 2024 season on a five-game losing streak, including the team's playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. By the time the playoffs rolled around it became clear that the Steelers had no business playing in the postseason. The team seemed lifeless at times over that brutal stretch of games, which has a lot to do with the coaching. It isn't entirely on the shoulders of Head Coach Mike Tomlin, but he has had a history of refusing to shake up his staff to the detriment of his own team.

The Steelers limped into the playoffs, meanwhile the Houston Texans limped through the regular season. It was pretty easy for them to clinch the AFC South and secure a home playoff game, but there was concern about Houston all throughout the regular season. 

The Texans lost two of their top three wide receivers, and struggled with injuries at other positions. However, despite having all the excuses in the world, the Texans were able to show up in the playoffs and advance to the Divisional Round after beating the Los Angeles Chargers.

Despite the success on the year, Head Coach DeMeco Ryans decided to make some changes in Houston. He fired his Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik and Offensive Line Coach Chris Strausser. Steelers fans see this and get upset, and rightfully so. It is obvious changes need to be made, yet Tomlin prefers to sit on his hands and keep his coaching staff happy.

A part of every team's goal going into a season is to win their division, earn a playoff birth, and advance in the postseason. The Texans were able to accomplish all of that despite being very injured, and significant changes were still made. Pittsburgh hasn't won a game since December 8th, yet the coaching staff is the exact same.

Tomlin has a history of being a bad head coach when it comes to putting his staff together. His coaching tree is nonexistent, which is often an over-exaggerated point, but coaching in the NFL for 18 seasons and having no coaches that learned from you and advanced is odd. This shows that he has made a lot of bad hires at important positions. 

The worst part is that Tomlin waits too long to make changes. There was no reason that Matt Canada should have still had the job of offensive coordinator going into the 2023 season, yet he did. He wound up being fired in the middle of the year, but it was clear from the seasons before that he did not have what it took to call plays in the NFL. This hindered the development of Kenny Pickett, which in turn set the organization back a few years.

Steelers Have Obvious Coaching Changes That Should Be Made

Aside from firing Tomlin, which isn't an option, there are at least two obvious coaching changes that need to be made in Pittsburgh. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin should have lost his job the day after the season ended. He has the highest-paid defense in the NFL, yet the unit consistently under performs. 

The Steelers need somewhat in that role that has the desire to blitz and get creative, because Austin's defense is nothing but predictable. Although Tomlin certainly plays a role in that.

Another obvious firing should be Pat Meyer. Meyer has been the offensive line coach for the Steelers since 2022, and the unit has not progressed much at all. It has gotten a bit better because of certain signings and additions through the draft, but Meyer should no longer be trusted to develop these young lineman. 

Ryans had the wherewithal to trim the fat on the Texans coaching staff, why can't Tomlin do the same?

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