Calvin Austin Reveals The Truth About Steelers Fans And Mike Tomlin

The Pittsburgh Steelers' fan base had left the team for dead as Mike Tomlin faced some of the harshest criticism of his long and storied tenure. The veteran head coach, who has never endured a losing season, suddenly seemed on the brink of one in 2025. With doubts swirling and the pressure mounting, the franchise faced a pivotal moment in its season, and fans were openly questioning whether the Tomlin era could survive another downturn.

However, with their backs against the wall, Tomlin guided his team to Baltimore and orchestrated a gutsy 27-22 victory over the Ravens. The win not only reclaimed control of the AFC North, but also improved the Steelers’ record to 7-6, putting them back in contention for the playoffs. The triumph gave the team momentum and, perhaps more importantly, bought Tomlin some breathing room as he worked to regain the trust of a frustrated Steelers fan base.

After the hard-fought win, Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III didn’t hold back. He spoke candidly about the noise, the criticism, and the hatred surrounding his head coach, giving fans an unfiltered glimpse into the locker room perspective. Austin’s honesty underscored both the intensity of the scrutiny Tomlin faces and the respect he still commands from the players fighting alongside him, showing that while the chatter outside Acrisure Stadium may be loud, the team remains united under their veteran leader.

"I guess I be so tuned in that I didn't even hear them," Austin said while speaking with Steelers insider Mike DeFabo about the 'Fire Tomlin' chants in Week 13. "I mean, not to be blunt, we don't care at all."

It is a nice sentiment for Steelers fans to hear players come out and publicly support their head coach, showing unity and loyalty in the locker room. However, it is important to keep perspective, especially for a player like Austin. What else is he going to say? The players are going to back their head coach because he is widely respected as a players coach. 

That loyalty does not erase the larger concerns. Tomlin has underachieved in recent years and has not won a playoff game since the 2016 season, leaving fans frustrated despite the team’s competitive moments. Austin continued to explain that even with these challenges, the players inside the building still maintain a strong belief in Tomlin and his ability to lead the team, reflecting the respect he commands in the locker room even amidst external pressure.

"We all are behind Coach T," Austin said. "The whole world can be chanting fire Coach T, but we gonna be with Coach T. At the end of the day, that is all that matters. The players in this locker room are behind him."

At the end of the day, the Steelers are still very much in the fight, and this win over the Ravens is a reminder that they are capable of stepping up when it matters most. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Buys Himself Time With Win Over Ravens

Fans will always debate Tomlin’s legacy and question his playoff drought, but the players’ belief in him cannot be ignored. The locker room is united, and that unity can carry a team through tough stretches. For now, Tomlin has bought himself time, but the pressure will not disappear. 

The remaining games of the season will be crucial, and every member of the team knows they have to deliver if they want to silence the critics and prove that Steelers football is still a force to be reckoned with.

Do you expect Mike Tomlin to win a playoff game in the 2025 season? 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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