The Pittsburgh Steelers made it official on Monday, announcing that Head Coach Mike Tomlin will remain with the team through the 2027 season, thanks to a three-year extension. This news was celebrated by many national media pundits, but not everyone is thrilled with the decision.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin during a game.
Steelers fans have high expectations, expecting their team to be in the Super Bowl hunt every season and to win it all. However, the team hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. One of Tomlin's biggest accolades is that he has never had a losing season in his 17 years as head coach.
"If you say anything other than, 'That's a Hall of Famer,' Wow, do you get pushback."
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) June 11, 2024
— @ColinCowherd reacts to Steelers extending Mike Tomlin pic.twitter.com/7flWmRVDxT
Colin Cowherd discussed the Steelers' decision to extend Tomlin on his show, The Herd. While Cowherd acknowledges Tomlin's greatness as a head coach, he also expressed confusion over the Steelers' decision to keep him.
“It was not met with celebration from many. Mike Tomlin is what you call in the NFL a made man. He is a made man. Production can dip, third in the division, missed the playoffs. He’s ok. If you question Tomlin at any point, oh the old heads come roaring down the hill to criticize you for a variety of reasons. This is a sport that fired Andy Reid, who got to five NFC championships with average quarterbacks.”
Cowherd compared Tomlin to Andy Reid during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles. While Tomlin has one Super Bowl victory under his belt, Reid struggled to achieve that milestone with the Eagles.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin talks with Chiefs' Andy Reid before a game.
The Eagles made the difficult decision to fire Reid, a move that ultimately benefited him as he went on to build the next NFL dynasty with the Kansas City Chiefs. Cowherd criticized Tomlin for his recent lack of postseason success.
"Mike Tomlin. Last three playoff wins in 2016. He beat Matt Moore and the Dolphins. He also beat Alex Smith, but they had no touchdowns and six field goals," Cowherd said. "The year before, they beat Cincinnati and AJ McCarron. Last seven years no playoff wins and four of them with Big Ben [Roethlisberger]. None. Zero.”
Cowherd is puzzled by the fact that any criticism of Tomlin is met with severe pushback.
“If you say anything other than that is a Hall of Famer, wow, do you get pushback? To me, what this really says is not about Mike Tomlin. It is about the culture of the Pittsburgh Steelers… Have they figured out their offensive line yet? It's been like six years. Do they have the right offensive coordinator finally? It feels like it's been forever. Most of his allies and most of his buddies are clearly on the defensive side.”
The Steelers have been actively working to improve their offensive line, with a strong focus on addressing this area in the last two drafts. Steelers fans are hopeful that the offensive issues, both with their coordinator and the line's performance, are being acknowledged and improved upon.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Will Have Zero Room For Excuses In 2024
In 2024, Tomlin will have some of the best circumstances in his favor. The quarterback room has improved, the special teams unit features big-time playmakers, and the defense is loaded and poised to dominate. If Tomlin and the Steelers can't secure a playoff win in 2024, the voices of frustrated Steelers fans will grow louder, calling for the end of Tomlin's tenure.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin celebrates a Super Bowl victory.
However, Tomlin isn't going anywhere. The Steelers are committed to Tomlin, and he loves coaching in Pittsburgh. With his contract extending through the 2027 season, it's unlikely the Steelers would fire him even if he struggles. Now, Tomlin is tasked with ending the playoff drought and getting the Steelers back in the hunt for glory.
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