The Pittsburgh Steelers, a storied franchise in the NFL, have been grappling with a prolonged playoff drought. In a recent statement on Monday, team President and Owner Art Rooney II expressed his frustration and determination to put an end to this postseason slump.
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Steelers President Art Rooney II roams the sidelines prior to a 2022 preseason matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Facing Urgency To Regain Contender Status
Rooney made it abundantly clear that he comprehends the urgency of the situation. The Steelers, a team accustomed to championship aspirations, have fallen short of those expectations in recent years.
"We've had enough of this," Rooney said via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. "It's time to get some wins, it's time to take these next steps."
The 2023 season saw the Steelers finish with a record of 10-7. That's a respectable season for most franchises, but for the Steelers, it's average. Notably, Mike Tomlin, the team's head coach, completed his 17th season without ever having a losing record. However, merely reaching the playoffs and then bowing out in the initial round falls short of the team's standards, as well as the fans' and ownership's expectations.
Throughout a challenging December with three consecutive losses, Steelers fans were quick to voice their frustration and call for Tomlin's job. However, the tide turned when Mason Rudolph stepped in to lead the team to three consecutive wins. Despite this respite, the fans' appetite for success in the postseason remains unfulfilled.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph throws a football during a Week 18 victory in Baltimore.
Rooney, though acknowledging the fans' demands, expressed his unwavering confidence in Tomlin's leadership abilities.
"The players still respond to Mike and that's number one," Rooney said. "He still has the key characteristics that we saw when we hired him. He can keep the attention of a group of 20-year-olds for a whole season and keep them in the fight for the whole way.
Tomlin undeniably possesses an exceptional level of leadership prowess. He stands out as a unique individual who forges remarkable bonds with his players. Even in the face of reports suggesting that Tomlin had lost control of the locker room during the season, the players themselves held a different perspective.
Notably, star player TJ Watt went on record affirming his unwavering commitment to Tomlin as his coach, a testament to the compelling leadership and mentorship that Tomlin provides behind the scenes.
While Rooney continues to support Tomlin, the pressure for postseason success mounts. The Steelers have not secured a playoff victory since the 2016 season, and fans are eager to see their team break this dry spell.
"So, still feel good about Mike. Obviously if I didn't, [we] would make a change, but if we didn't think Mike was able to lead us to a championship, he wouldn't be here and that's why he is here."
However, the proof lies in playoff victories, and Steeler Nation is eager to see that validation.
Tomlin's contract extension is a topic of interest among Steelers fans. They know it is going to happen, but there remains uncertainty about when it will materialize. While Tomlin is optimistic about reaching an agreement, fans are anxious to see him deliver postseason success before an extension is finalized.
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Steelers President Art Rooney II.
Rooney's statements have dispelled the notion that he is content with merely having winning regular seasons. He shares the fans' frustration and is determined to see the team regain its glory in the postseason. As the Steelers embark on their quest for a seventh Super Bowl championship, the pressure is palpable. The key to their success will hinge on making the right hire for the offensive coordinator position.
The Steelers face an offseason filled with excitement and great pressure. They cannot afford to fall further behind in a league that constantly evolves. Numerous questions loom, and Rooney, the man in charge, is resolute in his pursuit of excellence. The Steelers aim not only to reclaim their contender status, but also to secure another Lombardi Trophy for their storied franchise. The task won't be easy, but Rooney believes that with Tomlin, a seventh Super Bowl is still very possible.
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