Steelers' Mike Tomlin Made Huge Mistake In 2021 That Is Haunting Pittsburgh 4 Years Later

The biggest talking point through three weeks of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 season has been the defense. While the unit forced five turnovers against the New England Patriots most recently, it has still allowed 386 yards per game, which is one of the worst marks in the NFL. Another group that has faced some criticism — and should probably face some more — is the offensive line. Averaging just 63 yards on the ground per contest, the rushing attack has essentially been nonexistent. Holes are not open for the ball-carriers, and the line of scrimmage is being lost soon after the pigskin is snapped.

Offensive line coach Pat Meyer has had his current role since the 2021 offseason, but not much has changed with the big men up front. There have been several inconsistencies over the years, and it's a bit of a shock that he remains at the helm. The group has a bunch of talent, but has yet to truly find its best self for many seasons in a row.

One team that is not having a problem running the ball is the Detroit Lions. On Monday Night Football, Dan Campbell's team dominated the Baltimore Ravens thanks to a whopping 224 yards rushing. Additionally, Baltimore was unable to secure a sack on Jared Goff. Offensive line coach Hank Fraley deserves a lot of credit, and Steelers fans will cringe if they remember what happened back in the 2021 offseason.

Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Tomlin brought in Fraley four years ago to interview him for the then-vacant offensive line coach position. Fraley taking the interview indicated interest, but one of two things likely happened. The Steelers did not see him as a fit, which now looks like a mistake, or there was not enough cash in the coaching bucket to pay Fraley to leave Detroit. Either way, he now is looking like one of the best coaches for an offensive line in all of football.

Fraley has had looks to earn offensive coordinator jobs recently, but remains with the Lions as he helps to orchestrate one of the NFL's best rushing attacks. It doesn't hurt that Campbell played tight end in the NFL, but a lot of the reason why Detroit has been able to develop young linemen such as Penei Sewell is because of Fraley's ability to coach.

Whatever the reason was for the Steelers not finding a way to reach an agreement with Fraley in 2021 looks like a horrendous mistake as the 2025 campaign transpires. It's quite possible that Meyer will be looking for a new job in 2026, while Fraley could be in the running to work as an offensive coordinator somewhere as he continues to impress.

The lack of a Tomlin coaching tree is talked about all too often in the Steel City, but this is just another example of the wrong decision being made. Hindsight is 20/20, but who could ignore the fact that the Steelers had a legitimate chance to hire someone who is now looked at as an elite assistant, while Meyer's line continues to struggle week-in and week-out?

Steelers Can't Wait Much Longer To Develop Young Lineman

Pittsburgh has a ton of talent on its offensive line, but guys like Broderick Jones are running out of time to blossom. Troy Fautanu has All-Pro skills; however, he is still young and needs the proper coaching. No one knows how things would have played out with Fraley on the staff, but it's certain that he is currently being viewed as one of the most effective offensive line coaches in all of football.

Do you think that the Steelers didn't think Fraley was fit for the job, or was a potential offer not enough to convince him to move to Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!

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