Steelers Coach Could Be Looking For New Employment In January If Collapse Continues And Mike Tomlin Needs A Scapegoat

The Pittsburgh Steelers made another commitment to Head Coach Mike Tomlin in the 2024 offseason, rewarding him with a fresh three-year contract. Fans have come to expect that it's much more likely that, one day, he decides to walk away from the organization rather than the franchise firing him in any capacity. The Rooney family has been loyal to him since he was hired in 2007, but that doesn't mean that many others on the coaching staff will have a pass if the team continues its December collapse into the month of January. Another year with a playoff win would simply be unacceptable.

After a three-game losing streak, all options will be on the table if the Steelers aren't able to win whatever matchup is presented to them in the first round of the playoffs. After a tough ending to the 2023 season, Art Rooney II made it very clear that he hasn't been happy in recent years with the team's inability to win games when it matters most. So, if 2024 has the same result, what changes, if any, will be made to send a message to the fan base?

It's pretty apparent that Tomlin's seat isn't remotely close to warm, but a coach that has been with the organization since the 2019 season could be packing up his things if his unit continues to underperform. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin could absolutely be a scapegoat in the Steel City if the defense continues to get shredded in nearly every category.

Pittsburgh has been outscored 90-40 during the three-game skid, and aside from one pick-six against the Baltimore Ravens, the defensive group let up all of those points. One of the more disappointing facts has been the lack of communication. After the Christmas Day loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, several players voiced frustrations about teammates not doing their jobs.

Austin has been in charge of the defense since the 2022 season, and the recent troubles could certainly lead to him not finishing out his new contract that he signed in the 2024 offseason. Tomlin was given three years, while Austin got two. The Steelers don't typically fire coaches that are under contract, but rather, part ways when one expires. This could be different, however. 

If the Cincinnati Bengals' offense has its way with Pittsburgh's defense in Week 18, and a playoff loss on the road follows, the team will be searching for answers in many different areas. While Tomlin is known to have a very large hand in the defensive game-planning, it's inexcusable to collapse during the most important time of the year, regardless of how difficult a team's schedule is.

Tomlin and Rooney might see it as necessary to move on from the defensive coordinator, despite a relatively solid three-year stint. At the end of the day, NFL franchises reevaluate everything at the end of the season, which leaves the door open for any number of changes. For the Steelers, that could mean that Austin is the main scapegoat once the season wraps up. The defensive play-caller could be coaching for his job over the course of the next few weeks.

Steelers Fans Will Be Extremely Loud If One-And-Done Occurs In The Postseason Again

Pittsburgh was lucky enough to clinch a playoff spot at the very beginning of a tough three-game stretch, but everything has gone south since. The offense hasn't been good at all, but first-year Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith isn't going to be on his way out the door after one season. Austin, on the other hand, has been the defensive coordinator for three seasons and his time could be running out in the Steel City.

Do you think that the Steelers will use Austin as a scapegoat if the team is unable to win a playoff game? Let us know in the comments below!

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