Steelers' Art Rooney II Does Not Resonate With The Fan Base On The Organization's Big Problem

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the model of consistency in the NFL. That's the positive way of describing the team. The more accurate way would be saying that the organization is in a constant state of mediocrity. Head Coach Mike Tomlin constantly has his team on the fringe of the playoffs, and when the Steelers do sneak into the single-elimination tournament, they do not make it far as of late. The organization has not advanced in the playoffs since the 2016 season, and the fan base is extremely frustrated with how things have gone in Pittsburgh.

Tomlin is lauded for never having a losing season throughout his 18 years of being the head coach in Pittsburgh, but that gimmick is getting old with most fans. The coach has won a playoff game in five of his 18 seasons with the team, and currently the Steelers have no chance of competing with any of the top teams in their own conference. Many fans want to see the team re-sign Justin Fields to be the starter for the 2025 season, and if he doesn't play well, then the organization will get a good draft pick. If he does play well, Pittsburgh has its new quarterback. Team insider Ray Fittipaldo said he doesn't believe Rooney shares that same desire.

"You are not wrong, but I'd be shocked if Art Rooney II feels the same way," Fittipaldo wrote. "I know he doesn't."

Having a losing season or two is probably what is best for the future of the franchise, but ownership does not want that to happen. The Steelers love continuity, even if it means the fan base being livid. The Steelers will be unable to compete until the organization finds a franchise quarterback, and it has been looking for one ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired. It is hard to find a quarterback like that unless you are picking in the top-half of the first round of the NFL Draft.

The Steelers are never in position to draft a franchise quarterback based on how the team typically finishes seasons. Over the last four years, Pittsburgh has been slated with the 20th, 14th, 20th, and 24th overall pick. That is not good enough to find a franchise quarterback unless the Steelers decide to give up a bunch of draft capital to move up in the first round. This is why the Steelers need to either commit to being bad for a year or two, or actually start making some changes to be better.

It used to be fun to always have a team that would finish the year with a winning record, and likely be playing in a playoff game. Now, it feels atrocious. This team gets embarrassed in the playoffs consistently, which proves it has no right to be there in the first place.

Steelers Will Likely Never Make The Necessary Changes

Ahead of the 2024 season, Rooney expressed his frustration with the lack of recent playoff success, and he shared that changes would need to be made if the trend continued. Fast forward to the next offseason, and the trend continued, and no changes have been made. No coaches were let go aside from the ones who had expiring contracts. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and Quarterbacks Coach Tom Arth were recently brought on board in 2024, but fans are wanting more for this season. The Steelers don't seem to be expanding the coaching staff. It looks like they will be moving forward with the exact same approach. 

Until Rooney decides to do something or Tomlin can consider changing his coaching philosophy, this organization has no chance of seeing any real success in the NFL. The team is run like it is still the 1990's, and it is clear when watching it that it is decades behind the rest of the NFL. Some changes must occur, or fans can expect the same results.

What do you think about Rooney refusing to have a few down years to better the future of the franchise? Let us know in the comments below!

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