Le'Veon Bell Explains Why Steelers' 2 Organizational Choices Kept Team From Winning 7th Super Bowl

It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. This has Head Coach Mike Tomlin under a little bit of scrutiny as 2025 training camp gets underway. There have been several teams in the last decade or so that had immense talent all across the board, but nothing has ever come together when it matters most. Coaching and personnel changes haven't been the answer, so many have been left wondering why Tomlin is still leading the way. Overall, the franchise missed several opportunities in the final years of Ben Roethlisberger's prime.

While Pittsburgh is known for defense, the offense had an incredible run when Roethlisberger had both Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown at his disposal. The unit was arguably the league's best, but it all came to a rapid descent when the running back held out for the entirety of the 2018 campaign due to a contract dispute. Then, at the very end of the same season, Brown gave up on his teammates, which led to him being traded in the 2019 offseason.

Bell joined the Brian Hess Show to talk about all things Steelers and when his legacy was brought up, he stated that he firmly believes that if he would have stayed in the Steel City, he would be wearing a Gold Jacket one day.

"Yeah, I think so," Bell said in regards to making the Hall of Fame if he stayed in Pittsburgh. "Just for the simple fact, I mean, barring no injuries or nothing, like obviously, if I stay healthy. Just for the simple fact like I think — and if Todd stays, too, because Todd Haley was a big part, too. Because I think, when I ended up leaving, right, I think Todd, the offense kind of went through some type of like, shake up."

It has been rumored in the past that Roethlisberger and former Steelers Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley didn't get along that well, but it's evident that Bell thinks that the play-caller was a key piece of the offense's success back then. Pittsburgh's former ball-carrier doesn't just think remaining with the Steelers would have led to him being in the Hall of Fame, but also, another Lombardi Trophy on Art Rooney Avenue.

"I think if I stay and Todd stays, we keep that same core team, I think so, I think so," Bell said in reference to his hypothetical Hall of Fame candidacy. "I think we win a ring at some point."

Fans can theorize about the outcomes that never did happen, but Bell seems to be certain that a combination of him remaining in the black and gold with Haley calling the plays would have led to another Super Bowl for the Steelers. The offense was pretty dominant, so it's hard to argue that he isn't incorrect, especially when it comes to celebrating a championship.

Haley wasn't always the perfect offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, but he was certainly missed after the Matt Canada debacle. Fans may never know if the dominant offenses with the Killer B's was due to Roethlisberger, Haley, or a combination of both, but it appears as if Bell is certain that the decisions to not pay him, and move on from Haley, were extremely detrimental to the overall goal of winning a Super Bowl.

Steelers Enter 2025 Season With High Offensive Expectations

Since Roethlisberger retired, Pittsburgh's offense has not been able to find its footing. There have been certain promising moments, but overall, the unit has not been consistent and acted like more of a liability than a strength. With a veteran quarterback in Aaron Rodgers now under center, the group is expected to be a strength rather than a weakness in 2025. Time will tell, but Bell certainly thinks that the team whiffed on a Super Bowl window when he was in the locker room.

Do you think that the Steelers would have won another Super Bowl if Bell was extended and Haley stayed? Let us know in the comments below!

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