Steelers Fans Will Not Be Happy With Art Rooney II's Comments About Mike Tomlin

With another bad ending to the Pittsburgh Steelers' season, some fans are asking what needs to change for the organization to get back to the Super Bowl contender status. Some speculate that finding their franchise quarterback could be the answer or maybe it's just time the Steelers move on from Mike Tomlin. Tomlin's lack of success in the playoffs in recent years has been the highlight of discussions surrounding the Steelers, especially after their Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens. While his record of not having a losing season is impressive, it is starting to not hold the weight as it once did. 

Steelers Owner and Team President Art Rooney II spoke with the media to reflect on the 2024 season. While he understands the fans' frustrations, he still has faith in Tomlin. Rooney wants the playoff success just as bad as the fans and he believes that Tomlin can still bring that to the organization.

"When you look at how many games Mike has won in this league, you don't win that many without being a good head coach," said Rooney II. "We still feel good about him being a leader."

Rooney's comments will most likely upset a good amount of Steelers fans as they are demanding for a big change going into the 2025 season. Tomlin is 2-6 in the playoffs since 2016 and hasn't hosted a home playoff game since 2020.  With how this past season fell apart at the end, many place the blame on Tomlin, from defensive breakdowns and the lack of production coming from the offense. 

With all of the rumors that have circulated in the last few weeks about Tomlin, Rooney wanted to make it clear on where he stands with Tomlin's future. The Steelers do not fire coaches, they love the stat of there being more Popes than Steelers' head coaches since 1969. 

Tomlin has a lot to figure out this offseason, especially on the offensive side of the ball. With all of the pieces they brought in from new coaching hires, free agents, and the draft, the organization thought they were heading into the season with enough fire power to make a deep push. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, Russell Wilson and the offense couldn't even get more than 17 points on the board in the last five weeks of the season each game. Now the team is back to square one when it comes to their quarterback and with more pressure piling onto Tomlin's shoulders, he knows he has to get the quarterback right for 2025.

Both Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan have to get it right this offseason. From finding the right quarterback, to adding weapons to the offense, they can't afford to miss. With Rooney's faith, they know that they have to make good on their end. The Steelers' main focus of concern is the quarterback position and receivers. The receivers were heavily defended by Tomlin and Khan throughout the season, but when it came time for one of them to step up with George Pickens out, no one could. 

Steelers Fans Must Accept That Tomlin Isn't Going Anywhere Anytime Soon

Rooney doesn't want to make that change at head coach unless it's absolutely necessary. While Tomlin isn't losing in the regular season, Rooney will not fire him. The Steelers have to produce in the playoffs however, or Tomlin's job security will likely be in jeopardy. 

For Tomlin, his focus is on the 2025 season, helping Khan find their franchise quarterback, and making his rounds at the Reese's Senior Bowl to identify prospects that could make an impact for the Steelers this upcoming season. Tomlin is a smart man and he knows if the struggles in January continue, Rooney will have no choice but to move on from him. While Tomlin is safe for now, he knows that something needs to change before it's too late.

Are you happy that Rooney still has faith in Tomlin? Can Tomlin finally figure out how to win in January again? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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