The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2023 season having more success than most people expected, despite the Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills. Following the official conclusion of the season, the focus shifted to the future of Head Coach Mike Tomlin. It didn't take long for Tomlin to confirm that he would indeed be coaching the Steelers in 2024 and possibly beyond, but that didn't eliminate all the questions surrounding the team. Rich Eisen had some thoughts on how Tomlin could adjust going forward to put an end to the cycle of non-losing and raise the bar for the franchise.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin stands on the playing surface at then-Heinz Field as his team warms up prior to a 2021 regular season game in Pittsburgh, PA
Steelers' Tomlin Has To Change For There To Be Success
Tomlin guided the Steelers through some extremely choppy waters in 2023 that would have probably capsized lesser coaches, but somehow, the Steelers found themselves in a Wild Card game. Even though they couldn't upset the Bills, simply reaching that point proved yet again that Tomlin is very good at what he does. However, that doesn't mean everything is going to stay the same just because he is returning to coach the team for the foreseeable future.
The subject of Tomlin came up on The Rich Eisen Show on Thursday, with Eisen empathizing with Steelers' fans who are both concerned and frustrated at Tomlin's return despite the coach's record. The non-losing season as a factoid is certainly interesting, but when you measure success by regular season wins, it doesn't feel like the Pittsburgh standard. Eisen put forth that just because Tomlin will be coaching the Steelers at least through 2024, it doesn't mean he has to stick with the same old routine.
"Jim Harbaugh turned Michigan around because he started doing the opposite. He got some guys on the staff who did the opposite of what he was thinking about, or what he thought was right, honestly."
Eisen certainly has a point there because one consistency throughout the 2023 season was the irritation fans felt whenever Tomlin would offer platitudes rather than accountability or action. If Tomlin's coaching style has been enough to hold the Steelers above water throughout his career, then the possibilities seem endless if he approached his job with an open mind. That begins by bringing in the right offensive coordinator. Eisen sees an explosive Steelers squad if Tomlin puts his stubborn nature aside and brings in someone completely out of left field.
"What I'm saying is, I don't know, a hotshot with a billion new ideas that you would never think the Pittsburgh Steelers would ever run in a million years - get that person! Try it out!"
Omar Khan and Andy Weidl brought in a new, aggressive style to Pittsburgh's 2023 offseason, so if that can change with the times, surely Tomlin can as well. When all is said and done, if Tomlin and the Steelers' front office can bring in someone to get the most out of their offense, 2024 could be a wild ride indeed.
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Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks to members of the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN
Steelers Bring Youth And Promise Into 2024
While the end of Pittsburgh's 2023 campaign didn't end with another Super Bowl trophy, it surpassed quite a few expectations. A big reason for the resiliency shown by the squad was the young talent they had on both sides of the ball.
It isn't just the ones with upper-level draft pedigree like Broderick Jones or Joey Porter Jr. because the surprising contribution from Nick Herbig was a welcome sight on defense. While stars like TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward aren't going to be getting any younger, knowing the talent that is developing has to feel good for the organization. With another offseason under their belt, the rookie standouts can start turning themselves into regular, productive starters.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig gets a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals in his 2023 rookie season
Whether he has support or not, Kenny Pickett will be going into his third NFL season, and all signs point to him being the supposed starting quarterback when the 2024 training begins. George Pickens may have dealt with his share of maturity issues in 2023, but there is no denying the star-like ability he brings to the field. Having Tomlin back is an excellent level of consistency that will only add to what these young players will grow into.
2024 seems a long way off, especially considering the sting of losing in the playoffs hasn't left the hearts of Steelers' fans just yet. However, after a disappointing end to the 2023 season, there already seems to be some positivity shining towards the future. The potential is certainly there; all that's left is to make that into a successful reality.
What young Steelers players have you the most excited about the 2024 season?
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