When you spend 18 years with a single team, you understand not only how to make the team unstoppable but your flaws along the way as well. So, why can’t Mike Tomlin do that? Because the Steelers have not passed the wild card since 2017. I mean, we are not denying that Mike is a big name in the NFL. He was the youngest head coach to ever win the Super Bowl (XLIII). Despite Tomlin’s consistent success in securing playoff spots, his record in recent years has raised concerns about his coaching. 

In a recent ESPN discussion, NFL reporter Kimberly Martin said, “Pittsburgh fans are over Mike Tomlin.” Ouch. But who could blame them? They’ve seen it all. This frustration is understandable when you consider the fact that finishing with a winning record in 15 of his 18 seasons, the Steelers have struggled to push past the early playoff rounds. The expectations have changed, what was once seen as success is now viewed as simply not enough. 

In the same ESPN discussion, the NFL reporter said, “Is it possible that it would be in everyone’s best interest after 18 years, for a new voice there and maybe for him?” This was said about Tomlin while drawing a comparison to Andy Reid. Reid remained loyal to Philadelphia for over a decade and achieved many successes, yet he couldn’t secure the ultimate prize. It was only after joining the Chiefs that the trajectory of his career transformed dramatically. Perhaps that’s exactly what Tomlin needs now. A fresh start.

Whether the Steelers would consider trading Mike Tomlin remains unconfirmed, but there’s no denying the market interest. The Chicago Bears, for instance, are a team desperate for a cultural overhaul and could greatly benefit from Tomlin’s leadership. While the Steelers aren’t currently looking to part ways with their long-time coach, who’s signed through 2027, rumors suggest a reevaluation could occur if Pittsburgh falters in the upcoming wild-card playoff against the Ravens. If ever there was a time for Tomlin to prove his worth, it’s now.

Is Mike Tomlin the real problem for the Steelers?

It feels like the Steelers under Mike Tomlin have become a treadmill—steady, predictable but never really going anywhere actually. Sure, they keep up the pace by winning seasons, and playoff appearances but they are not making it big. Tomlin’s coaching style, while exceptional for its consistency, often feels like an old VCR in a world of streaming services. He’s still using the old playbook, relying on defense and a safe offensive scheme, while the NFL has moved on to high-octane games.

And Let’s talk numbers, Steelers have had 9 playoff appearances, which sounds great, doesn’t it? But here’s the thing, they’ve only won 3 playoffs in the past 10 seasons. It almost feels like winning a lottery ticket, only to find out it’s expired. The Steelers have failed to win in the crucial moments, even when starting the season with an 11-0 record in 2020 or a 10-3 record this year. They couldn’t finish the race no matter if the ball was in their court. So Is Mike Tomlin really the main hindrance behind all this or is there something else? Time will tell.