50 Million Reasons Why Steelers' Mike Tomlin Won't Be Fired By Art Rooney II

With more and more Pittsburgh Steelers fans becoming agitated with the lack of recent postseason success, how hot is Head Coach Mike Tomlin's seat? Team President Art Rooney II has already come out in support of Tomlin, believing that he is still the right man to lead this team. Tomlin still has the famous record of 18 straight seasons without a losing record, just three seasons away from tying Tom Landry. Also, Tomlin is a Super Bowl-winning coach; a short list of active head coaches who can say the same. While the recent postseason success has many fans calling for Tomlin to be fired despite his past accolades, the main reason why he still has Rooney's vote of confidence shouldn't come off as surprising.

In Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat, he was asked what was the main reason why Rooney refuses to part ways with Tomlin. Fittipaldo believes it comes down to his contract and Tomlin's connection with the players. 

"Well, there is the matter of the contract," said Fittipaldo. "And the reason Rooney signed him for $50 million over three years is he believes Tomlin connects with players and can get through to them. He [Rooney] was asked that question a week or two ago and said when he talks to players, they tell him Tomlin isn't the problem."

This is probably what most fans did not want to hear, but they might need to accept the fact that Tomlin isn't going anywhere anytime soon. With another quick exit out of the playoffs, the skeletons are starting creeping out of the closet. With concerns of the lack of on-field coaches on staff to personnel concerns across the offense, Tomlin has to turn the tide around quickly this offseason to gain the trust back with Steeler Nation and not lose Rooney's before it's too little; too late when it comes time for a new deal to be signed.

The positive of keeping Tomlin is the fact that players seem to love and/or want to play for him. Fans hear it all the time from current players and players outside of the organization about Tomlin's character and how he is a great coach to play under. Unfortunately, this trait hasn't led to Super Bowls or even playoff wins in almost a decade.

Rooney though seemed to be disappointed about how the season ended in another sad playoff exit. He still didn't give the fans the confidence that they're looking for heading into the offseason. With giving Tomlin his praises and not finding the lack of on-field assistant coaches as a concern, many fans are already gearing up for another disappointing ending to the 2025 season.

While Tomlin's job is safe for now, if the current trajectory of the organization continues -- Tomlin will most likely not get his extension. Unfortunately for the fans that wanted him gone after the Wild Card loss, that won't be until after the 2027 season. Until then, fans have to hope that Tomlin finally learns from his mistakes and build his staff and roster up to Super Bowl contender standards.

Steelers Must Find Ways Outside Of Firing Tomlin To Change Postseason Woes

The idea of Tomlin being fired has been made clear that it's not going to happen. The next step is finding ways to turn around the notion of the lack of success in January. Whether it's bringing in coaches like Jerod Mayo to fill in assistant roles for the short term, or bringing in offensive weapons to take some pressure off the backs of their defense, something needs to happen this offseason. Tomlin is not content with where the Steelers have been finishing their seasons in the last eight years, but he needs to actively do something about it and not just expect beating the same drum will solve their issues. While this isn't the solution that many members of Steeler Nation was hoping for, it's one they must accept.

Do you think Tomlin can turn this organization around before it's too late? What is your stance on Tomlin's last few seasons? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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