Steelers Front Office Is Aware Of Fans' Frustrations But "Don't Give A Sh*t"

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Naturally, that kind of drought would frustrate any fan base, but for the Steelers—an organization with six Super Bowl championships—it’s simply unacceptable. Steelers fans have been vocal about their frustration with the team's current direction.

Team President Art Rooney II has acknowledged receiving countless complaints from unhappy fans. Ultimately, the Steelers are a business, and understanding where their customers—the fans—stand is essential. Many supporters have expressed displeasure with the idea of Mike Tomlin returning, but the longtime head coach isn't going anywhere and will be back for the 2025 season.

While Tomlin is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best head coaches, the lack of postseason success in recent years has tested the patience of Steeler Nation. In a recent mailbag, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly was asked how much fan approval factors into the decisions made by the team’s front office. His response offered some telling insight into how the organization views fan dissatisfaction.

"They are acutely aware of it, but also don’t give a sh*t either," Kaboly said. "You can’t run an organization – any organization – by listening to the outside world. You have to stand by your beliefs, acknowledge the concerns, and do your stuff, and that’s what the Steelers do whether you like it or not."

What Kaboly shared with Steelers fans isn’t exactly groundbreaking. However, the interesting takeaway is that the Steelers generally operate the way most fans would hope—by listening to their frustrations. The challenge is that no successful organization can thrive by making decisions solely to appease its customers. Time and time again, Steelers fans have questioned the team’s choices, only to see the organization’s long-standing wisdom prove them right.

Of course, the Steelers aren’t perfect. But their history is defined by measured, level-headed decisions. They rarely fire coaches and avoid knee-jerk reactions—qualities that mirror Tomlin’s coaching style. Ironically, it’s this very approach that has become a point of frustration for fans. Many fans feel as if the Steelers, specifically Tomlin, are stuck in their ways and that is what has caused the failures as of late.

It's no surprise that the Steelers genuinely value their fans' opinions and stay aware of their concerns. However, they also understand that they can't be swayed by every demand. Fans are often reactionary and emotional, especially when the team struggles, which can cloud realistic expectations for building a competitive roster. 

While many fans trust the Steelers' long-term approach, it's easy to point out mistakes when things go wrong, making it seem like the front office is out of touch. When the Steelers sat at 10-3 during the 2024 season, everything seemed fine. But as losses began to pile up down the stretch, it felt like the sky was falling. Winning has a way of silencing criticism, and until Pittsburgh ends its playoff drought, the frustration from fans will continue to linger.

Steelers Have History To Show They Know What They Are Doing

The harsh reality is that the Steelers do care—they hear the criticism and understand the passion behind it. However, they also have decades of experience and success guiding their decisions, built on a foundation of stability, patience, and long-term vision. This approach has helped them become one of the most respected and successful franchises in NFL history. 

While it’s easy to get frustrated during tough seasons or when certain moves don’t pan out, the front office's measured approach is what has kept the Steelers competitive for so long. Sometimes, fans just need to take a step back, put their faith in the organization, and trust that the team is making decisions with the ultimate goal of building a championship contender. After all, history has shown that more often than not, the Steelers know what they’re doing.

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