Steelers' Mike Tomlin Hit With Very Harsh Words From Terry Bradshaw

The Pittsburgh Steelers have never had a losing season under Head Coach Mike Tomlin. In almost two decades of leading an NFL team, never having a losing season is an impressive accomplishment. However, in the minds of many Steelers fans, it doesn’t excuse the fact that Tomlin and his team have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season.

The longstanding debate within the national media and Steelers' fan base is that while Tomlin is a remarkably good NFL head coach, it hasn’t translated into winning meaningful games in Pittsburgh for quite some time. The pressure is on for Tomlin to lead this Aaron Rodgers–led Steelers team on a deep playoff run. If he can’t deliver in the 2025 season, the noise from the fan base calling for the end of the Tomlin era will only grow louder.

The Steelers moved to 2-1 behind the victory on the road over the New England Patriots on Sunday. Many are curious about what this team can accomplish, but former Steelers legendary quarterback Terry Bradshaw said via Yahoo Sports on Monday that Tomlin’s days of competing for Super Bowls are behind him.

"They're not ever gonna fire Mike Tomlin," Bradshaw said Monday via Yahoo Sports. "[But] they don't have the team. It takes offense, defense, takes it all, takes coaching. Every time they get great players and they do really well, you had Antonio Brown, you had the running back that signed with the Jets [Le'Veon Bell]."

Bradshaw’s comments struck a nerve with Steeler Nation. While Tomlin’s consistency has been a trademark of his tenure, critics often argue that the standard in Pittsburgh has always been championships, not just avoiding losing seasons. 

Bradshaw’s suggestion that Tomlin is no longer capable of leading the Steelers back to the NFL’s biggest stage echoes a growing sentiment among fans who are tired of early playoff exits and unmet postseason expectations. For a franchise with six Lombardi Trophies, simply staying competitive is not enough in the eyes of its most passionate supporters.

"All these guys are on their way to the Hall of Fame, they're playing so great for Pittsburgh," Bradshaw said. "'I want my money?' So they don't get their money and they're out of there. They're always competitive, but they're past being a contender. They're not a contender, and they haven't been in a while. They haven't been a contender in five years."

At the same time, Tomlin continues to command respect across the league. His ability to keep teams afloat through injuries, roster changes, and difficult schedules is rare in today’s NFL. Still, the lack of recent postseason success leaves an undeniable blemish on his résumé. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Starving For Another Super Bowl

Whether Tomlin can prove Bradshaw wrong and guide this Steelers team back into true Super Bowl contention remains one of the most pressing questions in Pittsburgh as the season unfolds. No Steelers fans question Tomlin’s hunger to get back to the Super Bowl. It’s very clear he’s a competitive person who thrives on discomfort.

The issue is that many aren’t certain he has what it takes anymore. Can he still lift up a team and truly motivate a roster of professionals? Many question his defensive scheme and overall strategy. They feel he’s stubborn and stuck in his ways. Whether that’s true or not, Tomlin himself has expressed dissatisfaction with recent results, and he’s eager to turn things around. Can he do it? That remains to be seen.

Do you agree with Terry Bradshaw's sentiment that the Super Bowl days are past Mike Tomlin and the Steelers? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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