The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be stuck in a very average state as an organization. There are ups and downs throughout most seasons, and the 2025 campaign is no different. The franchise invested in the defensive side of the ball once again in the offseason, but the results have not been favorable. Despite a record of 4-3, things are falling apart quickly. One of the most important members of the unit, DeShon Elliott, is also expected to be out for the remainder of the year. For a defensive guru such as Mike Tomlin, nothing is currently going right in the Steel City.
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Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2024, in Orchard Park, New York.
The Steelers are known for having one of, if not, the most loyal ownership group(s) throughout the entire professional sports landscape. Having just three head coaches since 1969 is a mind-blowing fact that is well-respected, but it also has a flaw tied to it. Pittsburgh refuses to make big changes, and despite Tomlin's inability to win a postseason contest since the 2016 season, he remains on the sidelines.
Fans have expressed displeasure for several years now; however, Art Rooney II has refused to make the franchise-altering decision to let Tomlin go. It's a fact that he would have a job elsewhere very quickly, but sometimes change is best for both parties involved, similarly to how everything worked out for the Philadelphia Eagles and Andy Reid.
In a fan chat on Tuesday, Steelers reporter and insider Ray Fittipaldo fielded questions from several concerned individuals. Someone chimed in to ask when Tomlin would finally enter some kind of hot seat, and while the answer from the media is typically, "never," Fittipaldo had a different response than some may have had in the past.
"Probably when there is only a year left on his deal," Fittipaldo wrote.
While this may not be what some want to hear, it's the most realistic outcome. Tomlin signed a fresh three-year extension with Pittsburgh in 2024, so he is tied to the organization through the 2027 season. No one expects any major changes during or after the current 2025 campaign, but if the struggles continue, and the team underperforms in 2026, it's possible that Rooney lets him go with one year remaining on that extension.
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Steelers President Art Rooney II roams the sidelines as the team warms up prior to a 2022 preseason matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
There is no denying how great of a leader Tomlin is. He has an incredible personality that resonates with his locker room, but results speak louder than words. If the Steelers continue to fail at the ultimate goal, which is winning postseason games, a time is going to come when it's time to part ways. The fan base isn't against this kind of approach.
Ppl ridiculed me last year when I took out the billboard calling for Tomlin to go. Idc anymore. I’ve vocally beaten this drum loudly since the 2017 jags loss. And 8 years later, Mike Tomlin’s defenses are still having the same exact failures. How can the loyalists defend it? How?
— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) October 27, 2025
The current frustration that is present throughout the Steel City is warranted. Nothing seems to change and, because of that, a lot has stayed the same. Finishing at or above .500 shouldn't be accepted by anyone; Tomlin and Rooney included. The Steelers are known for winning Super Bowls, and they seem to be further away now compared to any other time during Tomlin's tenure.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Could Lose Tomlin If He Decides To Walk Away
Pittsburgh has welcomed Tomlin for nearly two decades. There always is the possibility that he takes a step away from coaching for a year or two, as he could certainly be a mesmerizing media figure. He is young enough to the point where jobs will be available for him when and if he were to desire coaching again. Overall, however, it's unexpected that any serious changes will be made until his contract is close to expiring.
Do you think that the Steelers need to move on from Tomlin? Let us know in the comments below!
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