Mike Tomlin is facing one of his toughest challenges as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the team struggling as the season winds down. Thursday night’s game against New England is crucial for multiple reasons.
There’s been an ongoing debate about Tomlin between local and national media. National outlets often praise him for his consistency, particularly his streak of non-losing seasons, while local media criticize his lack of recent postseason success. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. Tomlin deserves credit for his ability to keep the Steelers competitive, and he has a Super Bowl win and another appearance to his name. However, it’s also fair to point out that the team hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016, which is the longest drought in the AFC North.
Tomlin seems to perform better when his teams are considered underdogs, as shown by last year’s comeback from a 2-6 start to finish with nine wins. This season, expectations were higher, partly due to the anticipated improvement of quarterback Kenny Pickett. Steelers GM Omar Khan expressed excitement about the team during training camp, but the season hasn’t gone as planned. Currently, the Steelers are 7-5, fighting for a likely wild-card spot, and even if they make the playoffs, many expect a quick exit.
Unlike in past seasons, there aren’t many excuses for the Steelers’ struggles. Injuries have been an issue, but depth was supposed to be a strength of this roster. While the reserves have played well, it hasn’t been enough, as evidenced by a recent embarrassing home loss to the previously two-win Arizona Cardinals. That defeat was made worse by players admitting they may have underestimated their opponent.
The offense has been a major disappointment, leading to the firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada after a poor showing in Week 11. The offense’s struggles have slowed Pickett’s development and raised questions about whether the team should look for another quarterback, although that’s a debate for another time. The team’s offensive issues highlight Tomlin’s need to bring in a proven offensive coordinator.
Steelers fans, who have generally accepted Tomlin as their coach, are growing impatient. While it’s unlikely that team president Art Rooney II would fire Tomlin, he might choose not to extend his contract, which expires after the 2024 season. If the Steelers don’t make the playoffs, it’s possible that Tomlin could enter the 2024 season as a lame-duck coach.
Tomlin may not want to coach beyond his current contract, possibly considering other less stressful career options. Regardless, the next year and a half will be critical for his legacy. Whether he can get more out of his current team or if the next two seasons follow the same disappointing path remains to be seen. Thursday’s game against New England could set the tone for the rest of the season. It’s a must-win if the Steelers hope to keep their playoff chances alive.
In my opinion, Tomlin is an exceptional coach whose influence goes beyond football. He’s a true leader who has consistently reached his players throughout his 17 years in Pittsburgh. However, it’s fair to critique him for the team’s shortcomings, especially during the “Killer B” era.
Some fans and media suggest the Steelers should consider a rebuilding year, but Tomlin knows that the same people calling for a losing season would be the first to demand his firing if it actually happened. Without another Super Bowl win, Tomlin will likely continue to have critics when his coaching career ends, which is part of the job when coaching one of the most successful franchises in American sports history. For this season to be considered a success, the Steelers need to make the playoffs. While that might not satisfy everyone, it should be enough to maintain national praise for Tomlin and offer hope for 2024.
Tomlin often says he welcomes these challenges, but whether his team does as well may determine the fate of both the Steelers and their coach for the rest of the season.
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