The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 season once looked promising. They had the lead in the AFC North late in the season, and they even controlled their own destiny at one point when it came to the one-seed. The team blew all of those opportunities and ended the regular season on a four-game losing streak, and then got embarrassed by the Baltimore Ravens in the postseason. This is the second-straight year Pittsburgh had no shot of winning their Wild Card game, and it is clear some changes need to be made.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin prior to a playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at the end of the 2024 season.
A large portion of the fan base has been calling for Head Coach Mike Tomlin's job since the final whistle on Saturday. It seems as if the coach consistently makes no adjustments, and it is the same, exhausting cycle every year. Some speculate that his voice has gotten stale, and the organization needs new leadership. It seems like the coach will be back in 2025, but the same cannot be said about the rest of his coaching staff. He spoke to the media on Tuesday, and he was asked about potential changes that will be made to the roster of coaches.
"You know, I think changing in coaching staffs are a component of our business," Tomlin said. "I certainly don't think all of our coaches are under contract. So, change is a component of it, and I acknowledge it, but we're at the very early stages of making those types of decisions and discussions."
Coaching contracts are not public in the same way that player's are. Those are kept private so it is hard to speculate which coaches Tomlin could be talking about who have expiring contracts. It is likely not either of the offensive or defensive coordinators, as Teryl Austin signed a two-year extension during the 2024 offseason, and Arthur Smith was just hired during the 2024 offseason and did not sign a one-year deal.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer bends down to speak to some of the players on his unit during a practice in Pittsburgh, PA.
Austin has faced some scrutiny. He is expected to be back in 2025, but he could certainly be fired in the near future. Smith will be back in 2025 as long as he doesn't accept a head coaching job, as both the New York Jets and Chicago Bears have shown interest in the offensive coordinator.
Changes should be expected when it comes to certain position coaches. Quarterbacks Coach Tom Arth and Wide Receivers Coach Zach Azzanni should each be considered safe as they each did a good job during the season, considering what they had at their positions. They also each joined the staff in 2024.
One spot that could change is Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer. Meyer has been scrutinized heavily for his development of certain players, and the line has not shown drastic improvements over his tenure. He joined the staff back in 2022, and he just wrapped up his third season in Pittsburgh. He very likely could have only signed a three-year deal in 2022, which would mean he is no longer under contract in 2025. The Steelers could offer him a new deal, but most fans would like to see the organization go in a different direction.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin congratulates George Pickens after a huge play against the Commanders in Week 10 of the 2024 regular season.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Must Make The Necessary Changes
Serious changes are needed on the coaching staff, with one being letting Meyer go. Austin should also be fired, as he has the highest-paid defense in the NFL, yet the unit consistently struggles. Tomlin plays a role in the defense as well, but a new voice is needed to lead the defense. The Steelers will be the same exact team in 2025 if necessary changes are not made on all levels of the coaching staff, and on the roster itself.
What changes do you want to see on the coaching staff? Let us know in the comments below!
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