"The Definition Of Insanity": James Harrison Still Not Happy With Steelers' Mike Tomlin

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin had never heard the type of criticism he faced after the team was outscored 23-0 in the second half against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13 at home. Frustration among fans reached a fever pitch, with many questioning whether Tomlin could still lead a competitive team. Even former Steelers stars, including James Harrison and Ben Roethlisberger, publicly voiced their concerns, suggesting that the team had lost its identity under his leadership. The blowout loss sparked a wave of doubt, putting Tomlin squarely under the microscope.

Despite the intense scrutiny, Tomlin responded by guiding his team to a hard-fought 27-22 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. The win showcased his ability to rally his players after a demoralizing defeat and reminded fans of the resilience that has long been a hallmark of his coaching tenure. Key adjustments on both sides of the ball helped the Steelers regain their footing, and the victory provided a much-needed boost to the locker room. For a brief moment, it seemed as though Tomlin had silenced the critics and restored confidence in his leadership.

However, the victory did little to fully appease some former players and fans. Harrison appeared on his podcast with Joe Haden to explain why he remains far from satisfied with Tomlin earning a regular season win. He cited concerns over inconsistency and questioned whether the Steelers’ successes were reflective of Tomlin’s coaching or the talent of the roster itself. His comments underscored that, for many observers, one victory is not enough to erase lingering doubts about the direction of the team under Tomlin. The debate over his effectiveness continues, highlighting the high expectations and scrutiny that come with leading one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.

"I think he [Mike Tomlin] did a better job because we won," Harrison said Monday on his Deebo and Joe podcast. "The only thing that would 100 percent keep him with me if I'm in the owner's hat is I need a 'chip because I look at this game, and I see that we still gave up 217 yards rushing. If you win it all, I don't care what your numbers are because you found a way to win the 'chip. But if you don't, then now I have to look at it in terms of what it is, and that's numbers."

The Steelers got off to a strong start against the Ravens, but as the game progressed, they allowed Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense to find their rhythm and claw back into the contest. 

That was somewhat expected in such a heated rivalry game with so much at stake, but it remains concerning that the Steelers allowed Isaiah Likely to get that close to scoring a game-winning touchdown. 

"Even if we go and we get to an AFC Championship Game, and we lose it, are you telling me, we get there, we lost it, and now does that give you another eight years of not winning one? No," Harrison said. "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result."

Harrison believes that Tomlin truly needs to win a Super Bowl in the 2025 season; otherwise, in his eyes, Art Rooney II should consider seeking new leadership for the team.

Steelers Fans Are Going Insane With Mike Tomlin

A couple of things can be true at once, and it seems Harrison is trying to articulate this in his statements about Tomlin. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing year after year and expecting a different result, which is exactly why Harrison believes the Steelers’ fanbase deserves a new head coach. 

Tomlin has not directly responded to the criticism coming from his former players, but it is certainly intriguing to consider whether he has heard Harrison’s sentiments and how they might influence his approach moving forward. The debate underscores the pressure on Tomlin to prove that he can still deliver at the highest level for a franchise with championship expectations.

Do you agree with James Harrison? 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. I will respond!

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