Mike Tomlin has acknowledged that the Pittsburgh Steelers are set for a shake-up after their disappointing end to the season. The team, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields sharing quarterback duties, kicked off the year on a high note but then stumbled, losing their last four regular-season games.
Their play-off woes continued as they were defeated 28-14 by the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round, marking almost 10 years since their last postseason victory.
In a candid press conference, Tomlin conceded: “Certainly, there’s change that comes with this time of the year. Certainly, there’s change that comes when we don’t have the desired outcome and. So those are just realities of the business. I’d imagine there’s going to be some things that change around here on a lot of levels.”
“I understand that I’m open to that, really just beginning the processes of some of the decision-making that has to transpire.”
Tomlin, 52, is already in discussions with the team’s leadership to devise a strategy for a more triumphant 2025, using the lessons learned from the 2024 season.
“I met with Art Rooney yesterday,” he continued. “I met with Omar [Khan] yesterday and those are just the very beginning of multiple conversations in terms of how we wrap a bow around some of the lessons learned, analyse some of the decisions made, personnel, strategy, etc.”
Despite the Steelers’ struggles to make headway during the crucial part of the season, calls for Tomlin’s dismissal have grown louder, even though the team has enjoyed regular-season success under his leadership.
One notable critic is Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw, who has been vocal about his lack of faith in Tomlin since 2016. During a special appearance on ‘Speak For Yourself’, Bradshaw didn’t mince his words: “I don’t think he’s a great coach at all,” he said.
“He’s a nice coach. To me, and I’ve said this, he’s really a great cheerleader guy. I don’t know what he does. But I don’t think that he’s a great coach at all. His name never even pops in my mind when we think about great coaches in the NFL.”
