Steelers Insider Believes Mike Tomlin Should Be Traded

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 24-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday marked yet another embarrassing loss in their challenging 2023 campaign. For Steelers fans, this loss carried a particular sting, possibly rivaling the ignominy of their earlier 30-6 defeat to the Houston Texans on October 1st. 

Following the disappointment, a surprising proposal emerged from a seasoned insider in Steelers reporting, Ed Bouchette. Known for his extensive work with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and The Athletic, he's suggested a bold idea for the organization's future. He believes that trading their long-standing legendary head coach, Mike Tomlin, holds a lot of value and should be strongly considered. 

Steelers' Ongoing Woes

The 2023 season has not been kind to the Steelers. A series of defeats, injuries and struggles have characterized their campaign, leaving fans disheartened and questioning the team's direction. 

With Matt Canada's prolonged tenure as the offensive coordinator being a complete failure and constant scrutiny on players like George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, coupled with Kenny Pickett's lack of progression, the Steelers find themselves in a state of uncertainty regarding their long-term prospects.

The loss to the Cardinals stands as a painful reminder of their woes, as they continue to grapple with inconsistencies on the field.

Ed Bouchette's Unexpected Proposal

In the midst of this turbulence, Bouchette, an authority in Steelers reporting, has put forth an intriguing proposition. He has suggested that the Steelers explore the unconventional path of trading away their head coach, Tomlin. Tomlin's tenure spans an impressive 17 years, during which he has accumulated a remarkable record of 169 wins, 98 losses, and two ties, solidifying his status as the most successful head coach in Steelers history.

Bouchette's idea challenges the prevailing sentiment that has called for Tomlin's dismissal. Instead, he advocates for a trade.

"Those who want to see the Steelers fire Mike Tomlin are short-sighted. If they really wanted to move on, they can TRADE him. He has value."

The Rarity Of Coaching Trades In The NFL

Trading a head coach in the NFL is a rare occurrence. While player trades are relatively common, coaching trades are an anomaly. Recent history provides only a handful of examples, underscoring the uniqueness of such transactions. One notable instance is the trade of Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints to the Denver Broncos during the past offseason. The Broncos relinquished their first and second-round draft picks to acquire Payton and a third-round pick.

Another noteworthy trade involved Mike Holmgren, who was traded from the Green Bay Packers to the Seattle Seahawks in 1999 for a second-round draft pick. However, one of the most remarkable coaching trades took place in 1997 when Bill Parcells was traded from the New England Patriots to the New York Jets. The Patriots received a substantial haul, including first, second, third, and fourth-round draft picks, along with $300,000.

Tomlin's current contract with the Steelers extends until the conclusion of the 2024 season. This contractual arrangement implies that, should the team decide to part ways with him, they would need to contemplate a trade during the forthcoming offseason.

Traditionally, the Steelers organization, steeped in tradition and continuity, would never have considered trading their long-standing head coach. In fact, it’s most likely that Tomlin will remain the Steelers head coach until he wants to retire. The Steelers' deep-rooted loyalty to their leaders has been a hallmark of their franchise. 

However, the unexpected firing of Canada following the loss to the Cleveland Browns earlier in the season has raised eyebrows. This uncharacteristic move has left some observers pondering whether the Steelers might be open to unorthodox decisions in the future.

Potential Suitors For Tomlin

Should the Steelers entertain the notion of trading Tomlin, there are teams in the NFL landscape that would undoubtedly covet a coach of his caliber. The Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers are two franchises that have already parted ways with their coaches this year. Landing a coach with Tomlin's experience and track record would be an enticing prospect for these teams.

As the Steelers navigate a challenging season filled with uncertainty, Bouchette's proposal to trade Tomlin adds a new dimension to the conversation surrounding the team. While it remains a bold and unconventional suggestion, it prompts us to consider the possibilities in an ever-evolving NFL landscape. 

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