The Pittsburgh Steelers were very lucky to have their franchise in the hands of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for 18 seasons. Roethlisberger is a fan favorite and, in the eyes of many, the greatest Steelers quarterback of all-time. With the way the 2024 season ended, Roethlisberger has been quick to call a spade a spade. At one point, he actually felt like the Steelers were Super Bowl contenders. However, after the awful losing streak to finish the season off, Roethlisberger, like many fans, lost hope.
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Steelers' Ramon Foster and Ben Roethlisberger during an AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Dolphins in 2017.
In a recent episode of his podcast, aired on Channel Seven via YouTube, Roethlisberger invited former teammate Ramon Foster to discuss the state of the Steelers. The duo didn't hold back as they addressed what changes the team needs to make moving forward. Roethlisberger, in particular, shifted the conversation to reflect on his time with the team, highlighting the unparalleled trust he had in his former coaches.
Roethlisberger emphasized how those coaches set the Steelers apart, pointing to their ability to make critical halftime adjustments. For Roethlisberger, that adaptability was the secret ingredient that fueled the Steelers’ success during his legendary career.
"I used to say it all the time," Roethlisberger said. "We had the best coaches in the business because we would make more halftime adjustments and changes. I used to think that was what really separated us from other people. Those halftime adjustments."
Many Steelers fans have called for coaching changes following the disappointing 2024 season. At one point the Steelers were 10-3 and seemed poised to win the AFC North. Many pundits started to label them Super Bowl contenders. The Steelers would go on to lose four straight regular season games and a one-and-done outing in the playoffs.
This type of collapse is one that many Steelers fans believe is deserving of massive changes. The Steelers are known for their loyalty to coaches and rarely make firings, but the struggles on both sides of the ball have amplified frustrations. The offense has been inconsistent and failed to reach a respectable level of performance, while the defense, despite its star-studded roster, faltered in key moments down the stretch once again.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith celebrate a win.
This has led to mounting scrutiny on Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin. Even Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season, has faced questions from fans weary of mediocrity. Steeler Nation holds their team to a Super Bowl standard and is eager to see players like TJ Watt and Cam Heyward lead a deep playoff run.
However, Tomlin’s Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and patience is wearing thin. While Tomlin’s job is likely secure, all eyes are on possible changes to his staff, with Smith, Austin, and Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer under the spotlight after their units underperformed in 2024.
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Was Confident Because Of Mike Tomlin And His Staff
Roethlisberger’s recent comments about his faith in past Steelers coaching staffs add an interesting layer to the conversation. He emphasized how crucial halftime adjustments were during his tenure and credited the coaches for making them effectively. In contrast, many fans feel that halftime adjustments have been a weak point in recent years.
Hearing Roethlisberger reflect on the trust he had in Tomlin and his staff during his playing days serves as a powerful reminder of the high standards Steelers fans continue to hold for their team. While many excuses have been made for Tomlin over the years, they stem from a genuine respect for his abilities as a head coach and the deep admiration fans have for him.
Tomlin’s leadership has been undeniable, consistently rallying his team to fight through adversity when their backs are against the wall. However, the five-game losing streak to close out the 2024 season was deeply unsettling, especially as it became clear that issues weren’t being resolved. To his credit, Tomlin has owned the failures, famously stating that he 'happily totes those bags.' Yet, fans carry the burden of disappointment, too, and they feel their loyalty deserves to be rewarded with a team that genuinely contends for Super Bowls.
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Pittsburgh Steelers fans upset after the outcome of a game.
For many, patience is running out. The desire for change—whether in the coaching staff, player personnel, or strategy—is a reflection of the championship expectations ingrained in Pittsburgh’s culture. Fans believe it’s time for their team to rise back to the top and reclaim the standard of excellence they’ve come to expect.
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