Steelers' Teryl Austin Not Getting Fired Since "They Really Went Out Of Their Comfort Zone Last Year"

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost the final game of the regular season to the Cincinnati Bengals, their fourth loss in a row. This loss cost them more than just pride; it cost them the lead in the AFC North and the possibility of facing a weaker team in the playoffs. While the defense performed better compared to recent weeks, the offense could not move the ball down the field and score consistently. 

The four losses in a row came on the heels of a hot win streak from quarterback Russell Wilson. He helped the team win six out of his first seven games under center, and fans were elated. The team was considered a Super Bowl contender, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin was praised as a genius. With the recent losses, fans have gone scorched earth and want everyone fired. 

The Bengals' defense cost them games throughout the 2024 regular season. In response, the team fired Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo. This has Steelers fans wondering if their Defensive Coordinator, Teryl Austin, might face a similar fate if they lose their playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly for The Pat McAfee Show joined The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan and was asked by host Adam Crowley about Austin. He asked if the Steelers go into Baltimore and lose this playoff game the way they have in the past by playing bad defense, will they fire Austin?  

"No, no, no," said Kaboly. "He signed a two-year deal last year, so his contract goes through next year. I just don't see it. What we've seen from Hard Knocks is what we pretty much knew, everybody has a hand in that defense. I know Austin runs it game days, but Mike Tomlin's fingers are all over it as well. They're not going to change an entire organizational philosophy based off of one or a couple games. They really went out of their comfort zone last year with Matt Canada. I can't see them doing that again. Could they change the pieces around him? Yeah."

Austin has been with the Steelers since 2019 when he was hired as the senior defensive assistant and secondary coach, and after spending 2018 as the Bengals' defensive coordinator. He was promoted to Steelers defensive coordinator in 2022 when Keith Butler retired after 19 seasons with the team.  

The Steelers have long been known for their philosophy of sticking by their coaches. As Kaboly referenced, they finally fired the much-maligned Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada partway through his third season in that position. Arthur Smith was hired to replace Canada and is on a three-year contract. 

Steelers' Not Likely To Clean House The Way Some Want

Kaboly told Crowley that he doesn't see any wholesale changes being made based on these losses. He especially doesn't see Tomlin being fired. Fans are understandably frustrated that the Steelers haven't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. 

Tomlin has long had the support of the players and most of the media. He is considered a player's coach and builds strong relationships with the guys in his locker room. Kaboly thinks getting rid of him that way would be a terrible idea. 

He said the Steelers would become the Tennessee Titans overnight if they fired or traded Tomlin. Kaboly said he thinks the entire coaching staff, most of the players, and even a chunk of the front office would leave if the team got rid of Tomlin like this.    

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