Imagine a $5.3B franchise refusing to spend the money needed to come out of mediocrity. That’s where the Pittsburgh Steelers come in, who are just too stubborn to spend the cash needed to win Lombardis. You will have to go back to 2009, the last time the Steelers were relevant in Super Bowls, at least. And now it looks like they would happily take another decade or so to reach that stage until there’s a change in mentality. Not spending on players is one thing, but coaching staff—what’s the issue with bringing more brains into the table?

There might be a lot of flaws that need to be fixed to get the Steelers back at the top. But the biggest flaw right now is their lack of urgency in expanding their coaching staff—that’s what ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor feels. She thinks the Steelers’ front office’s stubbornness to shake up their coaching staff will continue hurting them. “I think that has been a huge problem the Steelers have had across the board. They are just unwilling to spend the money to make meaningful changes…We’re fine being stuck in the past. Everyone else is hiring more assistants, but we don’t need this. That’s fine, but then you’re not going to change. You’re not going to move out of this cycle of mediocrity.”

She even pointed out the exact comments of Steelers President Art Rooney II, who feels the size of their coaching staff isn’t really a concern. “I don’t see that holding us back. I don’t think that’s our problem.” Maybe the Steelers are still looking to replicate Bill Belichick’s years in New England. He used to have the smallest coaching staff, 18 or even less. Mike Tomlin has also come on record saying, “I think it’s a benefit in small numbers. It’s easier to keep the group coordinated.” But that’s back in 2023. The NFL has moved on a lot since then.

The Dolphins and the Raiders lead the line with the biggest coaching staff, 27 each. Then, there’s the Eagles, who had just won the Super Bowl, having 23 to help the players from all corners. Even the Patriots, after moving on from Belichick, increased their coaching staff from 18 to 25. So, if that doesn’t work as an eye-opener, I don’t know what will urge the Steelers to do the same. It’s the modern age of football—you will have to adapt. Staying at the bottom of coaching personnel with just 19 men looks good from a financial point of view. But on the gridiron, it won’t take you anywhere near the Super Bowl.

And to make matters worse, they could also lose their future in Justin Fields as Matthew Stafford gets linked with a possible move to Pittsburgh.

Steelers QB room finds itself in more drama ahead of next season

Justin Fields has constantly found himself neglected in Pittsburgh. Even when he led the Steelers to a 4-2 start, Tomlin preferred to sit him down for Russell Wilson. Yes, Wilson was good, leading the Steelers with a 6-1. But everything soon crumbled, with them losing 5 in a row to end another one-and-done postseason. Now, with both Wilson and Fields’ contract expiring and free agency looming over. There are constant reports that Wilson could be preferred yet again by the Steelers front office. This means Fields, who is set to enter his 5th season in the NFL, still doesn’t have clarity on his future. See, there’s no doubt he has the talent to lead an NFL franchise. Like, he scored 10 TDs until Tomlin thought nah, it doesn’t matter.

So, NFL analyst Sam Monson believes Fields should just cut his losses with the Steelers and search for another franchise that can help him grow—cause there’s still time. “If you find a coach, one of those guys capable of improving those quarterbacks. I still think there’s a jump to be had in Justin Fields. Not just a minor improvement..I think that there’s a giant leap to be had somewhere in Justin Fields.” Monson actually used the example of Malik Willis under Matt LaFleur. After getting traded to Green Bay from the Titans, Willis filled up exceptionally for injured Jordan Love. In just 2 starts, he completed 75% of his passes, throwing 3 TDs and zero INTs. So, Monson believes if Fields can find someone like LaFleur, maybe he could also propel his development.

But behind all the talks of Fields and Wilson’s future. CBS Sports analyst Emory Hunt thinks those rumors linking Stafford to the Steelers shouldn’t be entertained. She has pointed out Stafford’s age (37) as a huge turn-off for the Steelers not to target him. Instead, Hunt believes the Steelers should go all-in to rally behind Fields. “Just go all-in on the young guy Justin Fields.” Fields is still only 25 and is a decade younger than both Wilson and Stafford. Yeah, he may not have the experience to speak of. But right the Steelers need stability under center. And that’s what Fields can offer them if they are willing to give him a chance in black and gold.