The Pittsburgh Steelers will now have to deal with a long coaching search, as Mike Tomlin has officially stepped down. Many fans were excited for this outcome, as they were desperate for any sort of playoff success, and change at the helm seemed to be a key factor. Losing seven straight playoff games while being down by at least 21 points in each one is very frustrating, and it makes sense that people would want change after being on the wrong side of history in that fashion.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on as his team loses another playoff game at the end of the 2024 season.
The players don't see it that way however, and many of them publicly voiced their frustrations with the fan base in recent weeks. On Thursday, Christian Kuntz became the latest one to call out Steeler Nation publicly. He did it on his show, The Christian Kuntz Podcast, to let everyone know how he truly felt.
"When you are cheering or f*cking celebrating, keep in mind: How would you like it if your boss stepped down / got fired, and they’re clearing out your whole situation at your work?" Kuntz said.
Like many players, Kuntz obviously has a deep respect for Tomlin, and he did not appreciate the angry chants in Week 13 or in the Wild Card game when the game was ending. Now that many of the fans got their wish, he wanted to remind them exactly of what they were cheering for: a man to lose his livelihood. They may have successfully drove the leader of the Steelers out of town.
Stands are emptying out and many of those staying behind are chanting Fire Tomlin.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) January 13, 2026
Obviously, there are two sides to every story. From the fans' perspective, the team was stuck in an endless cycle of mediocrity. Nearly every major part of the team changed except Tomlin over the previous nine seasons, yet the results were still the exact same. It felt like the Steelers were in purgatory, and getting rid of the head coach would be a major step in achieving a brighter future, and maybe even a playoff win.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin greets fans after a win against the Browns in Week 14
From the Steelers' perspective, Tomlin was not just a head coach. He was like another father figure for all these men, as he built long-lasting relationships with every player. Having him around the locker room was more than just about football, but now, that presence is gone. Many of these players will most likely keep in touch with their former leader as he pursues other challenges down the road.
Steelers' Relationship With Fans May Be More Broken Than We Realize
In the media, it felt like there was a civil war going on between the team and its fans. It seems like they have complete opposite opinions of what is going on and what the real issue is. Players have called out the fans and vice versa, as there are major questions about what the standard truly is for the team. Nearly a decade of frustration tends to lead to a breaking point like this.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Former Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin blows fans a kiss while walking off the field with Cam Heyward.
If this cycle of futility continues, ownership would be seriously called into question. It has already been revealed multiple times that Art Rooney II is very cheap, and there are even accusations that he cares about saving money more than winning. If that turns out to be the case, the hoard of angry Yinzers will turn into empty yellow seats at home games.
There is only one way to get this player/fan relationship back on track: winning. That cures nearly every disease that a team could suffer through, especially when it pertains to the fans. One postseason win would do so much for both the team and fan base, and many of these conversations that are currently being had would not even be thought of once the Steelers go back to Steeler football.
What do you think about Kuntz blasting the fans on his show? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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