The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied and proud franchises in the NFL. Nevertheless, fans are demanding change after feeling stuck in mediocrity for what seems like decades. Despite Head Coach Mike Tomlin never experiencing a losing season in his 18 years, the team faces a playoff drought nearing a decade, which further extended this season with a Wild Card round loss to their bitter division rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Many fans, pundits, and insiders believe that to advance, the franchise must part ways with Tomlin and adopt a coach more willing to adapt to the fast-paced, high-scoring nature of modern NFL offenses.
In a Monday media session, team owner Art Rooney II addressed Tomlin’s performance following the team’s late-season collapse and discussed his future with the organization. “When you look at how many games Mike (Tomlin) has won in this league — you don’t win that many games if you aren’t a good coach. I know he is frustrated like we all are in terms of taking that next step, but we still feel good about him being our leader and still think he has the strengths he has always had to lead a team. When you have a good coach, you just try to keep building with him,” Rooney II said, as reported by The Pat McAfee Show’s Mark Kaboly.
Art Rooney II: “When you look at how many games Mike (Tomlin) has won in this league — you don’t win that many games if you aren’t a good coach. I know he is frustrated like we all are in terms of taking that next step but we still feel good about him being our leader and still…
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) January 27, 2025
Fans have strongly reacted to Rooney’s statement on social media. One remarked, “Cowher’s players and structure. Lucking into Antonio Brown in the 6th round,” suggesting that Tomlin’s success merely stems from the strong foundations laid by his predecessor. Conversely, another fan stated, “I’m sick of Steelers fans saying Tomlin has got to go… Dude is one of the best coaches ever in NFL history; he keeps mediocre teams competitive… It’s just a matter of time before we return to our glory days!” In contrast, a different opinion was voiced: “Rooney is nearly as bad an owner as Nutting. The future of Pittsburgh sports looks bleak.” Similarly, one commenter lamented, “The standard is mediocrity for Art Rooney II.”
It remains to be seen how much longer the franchise will allow Tomlin to retain his position without playoff success.
