The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of many NFL’s most heralded franchises, successful six Tremendous Bowls in its historical past. However in recent times, the franchise has grow to be accustomed to flaming out within the postseason.
Mike Tomlin has been on the helm since 2006 and coached the group to a type of Tremendous Bowl titles. Whereas Tomlin has nonetheless by no means ended a daily season with a shedding report, it has now been eight years since he led a group to victory in a playoff game.
The Steelers are one of the crucial steady franchises within the league, having solely had three head coaches over the previous 5 many years. Nonetheless, the dearth of latest success within the playoffs has prompted some considerations about whether or not Tomlin ought to stay in place.
But Tomlin shrugged on Tuesday when requested if it feels as if the Steelers are “caught” after they had been dominated by the Baltimore Ravens within the wild-card spherical on Saturday.
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin appears on in the course of the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff soccer sport in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Picture/Stephanie Scarbrough)
“Caught is form of a helpless feeling,” the NFL’s longest-tenured coach mentioned. “And I don’t know that I really feel helpless.”
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Tomlin then acknowledged the frustration everybody concerned with the Steelers had been feeling following the early playoff exit. “I positively don’t really feel within the temper for optimism or the promoting of optimism,” he mentioned. “I don’t know that that’s acceptable. You understand, it’s disappointing to not be working. And in order that’s the place we’re.”
Mike Tomlin talks to his gamers in the course of the second quarter in opposition to the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jason Miller/Getty Pictures)
And whereas adjustments are actually coming to the teaching employees — almost certainly on protection after the Steelers had been gashed throughout a five-game freefall by the standings — Tomlin doesn’t look like going anyplace as he enters the primary season of a three-year extension he signed final June.
Tomlin believes he is nonetheless “succesful” of serving to Pittsburgh finish its longest playoff victory drought for the reason that “Immaculate Reception” greater than a half-century in the past.
But he additionally finds himself getting into a 3rd offseason in 4 years with questions at quarterback. Skylar Thompson, who signed with the Steelers on Tuesday, is the one quarterback beneath contract for the 2025 season. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen — all of whom performed in the course of the 2024 season — are all scheduled to grow to be free brokers when the brand new league 12 months begins in March.
Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Baltimore Ravens tackles Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the course of the first quarter in the course of the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Financial institution Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Al Bello/Getty Pictures)
Whereas Wilson and Fields each expressed curiosity in returning and Tomlin mentioned the group is “open to contemplating these guys,” there’s additionally the very actual probability they start 2025 with their fifth totally different Week 1 starter in as many seasons.
Although the offense made progress — significantly throughout a midseason stretch through which Wilson gained six of his first seven begins — the Steelers averaged simply 14.2 factors throughout their late swoon, hardly ok to advance to the divisional spherical or past.
Tomlin additionally acknowledged he understands there may be discontent rising among the many fanbase throughout what can greatest be described as his group’s “Groundhog Day” period.
“I perceive the frustrations,” he mentioned. “And to be fairly sincere, I share it.”
The Twelfth-winningest coach in NFL historical past — he’ll attain the highest 10 if the Steelers win at the least eight video games in 2025 — doesn’t consider his message has misplaced its effectiveness, partly as a result of he believes that may be a small element of his job. The overwhelming majority is on schematics, preparation and expertise improvement and in these methods he believes the group has advanced.
“I’m open to adaptation and alter and have been,” he mentioned. “And so it’s not a brand new dialogue. It’s not like I’ve been doing the identical issues over (and over).”
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Tomlin stays intent on making an attempt to be part of the answer in Pittsburgh, saying groups with job openings which may inquire about his willingness to maneuver on ought to save their time.
“I’ve no message,” Tomlin responded through the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette when requested if he had a message to any group probably trying to purchase him in a commerce. “Save your time.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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