Steelers' Art Rooney II Makes Surprising Admission That He Spoke With Multiple Players About Mike Tomlin

Pittsburgh Steelers owner and President Art Rooney II recently spoke with about 12 media members to hold his annual meeting. He was asked questions about how the recent season ended and what the fans should expect to change in the offseason to be ready for the 2025 season. One of the biggest topics was the future of Head Coach Mike Tomlin. 

Rooney expressed that he understands the fans are frustrated; they have filled his inbox. However, he has no intention of moving on from Tomlin this offseason. Despite not winning a playoff game since the end of the 2016 season, Rooney felt so confident in Tomlin that he extended his contract before the 2024 season, so it seems likely he will stay at least through 2027.   

On the Kaboly and Mack Show, longtime Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly sat down with his co-host, Chris Mack, to recap what was said in Rooney's meeting. Mack said that he tried to read between the lines of Rooney's comments about how there won't be "wholesale change" and believes he might ask Tomlin to back off and let his assistant coaches do their job. The topic of his interfering comes up often. Kaboly said he feels it will be nearly impossible to police. He added what he found most interesting was Rooney's comment about getting players' opinions. 

"I found it quite revealing, or at least interesting, that he let it be known that he went and talked to players about Mike [Tomlin]," admitted Kaboly. "Probably Cam [Heyward], TJ [Watt], I doubt he's going up to George [Pickens] and saying, 'What do you think of Mike?' I doubt he's going up to Ryan McCollum or Beanie Bishop, but I'm sure it's the leaders of the team, saying, 'What do you think about Mike?' What are the younger guys gonna say? They're not gonna rip on the head coach. I'm willing to bet he talked to two, maybe three guys, maybe Minkah [Fitzpatrick] or maybe Russ [Wilson]."

Kaboly noted this is highly unusual for Rooney, even though he's carried on his father's traditions. Art Rooney Sr., the founding father of the Steelers, would always go around the locker room after games and speak to players, congratulate them, shake hands, and thank them. The younger Art has continued that on. 

While Rooney isn't an absentee owner like other teams, Kaboly said this caught him off guard. Mack asked him how he thought he had conducted those meetings, and Kaboly said he wasn't sure if they were formal or informal. 

"I just found it interesting that he took the time," added Kaboly. "I don't know if he said, 'Hey Cam, come to my office,' or if he sees him in the hallway and says, 'Hey, let me ask you something.' I don't know, but at least he did it and felt comfortable enough to say that he did."

Cameron Heyward, TJ Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick have all been strong leaders on the Steelers' defense. While Russell Wilson has only been with the team a year, he stood up and commanded an offense lacking a leader. 

Are Any Steelers Coaches On The Hot Seat?

It sounds as if Tomlin is safe, as is Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, since Rooney noted he is excited to see the growth in year two. This has fans wondering if any coaching changes will be made. 

Most of the local media believe there will be some possible scapegoats among some of the positional coaches. However, they expect Smith and Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin to return. The team went out of its comfort zone, firing Matt Canada in 2023, and they won't want to fire another coach under contract so soon.  

The one idea being floated the most is that the franchise will hire a special assistant to bring a fresh perspective to the team. This would be similar to what they did with Brian Flores in 2022.  

Are you surprised to hear Rooney asked the player's opinions? Tell us what you think below!

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