The Pittsburgh Steelers might have a coaching problem. While many would believe that statement is about Mike Tomlin, it's more about the lack of staff members they currently house. The Steelers have only 18 on the field assistant coaches, one of the lowest amounts in the entire league. Tomlin and Art Rooney II could argue they rather have quality than quantity, but fans are still wondering where the quality lies at as well. With teams like the Baltimore Ravens continuing to add to their staff (they recently added former Indianapolis Colts head coach, Chuck Pagano as a senior secondary coach), the Steelers are finding themselves behind the curve.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin on the field before facing the Cleveland Browns in Week 12.
Insider Brian Batko truly believes the Steelers are being left in the dust when it comes to their staff. While Rooney II told the media that the Steelers actually have 27 coaches on staff, Batko points out that is including names like Tomlin, Director of Player Development Darrel Young, five strength and conditioning coaches, and two administrative assistants. That just leaves 18 assistant coaches that help with the game planning and honing players' techniques.
"But when it comes to those who are directly involved with game-planning, honing players' techniques and all other aspects of coaching, I stand by my research that the Steelers are behind the curve," said Batko.
If the product each week that the Steelers put out on the field was performing at a high level and competing late into January, the amount of assistant coaches wouldn't be deemed an issue. Now with another year resulting in an early exit from the playoffs, the Steelers need to make some type of change and adding more quality coaches to their staff seems like a good place to start.
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Of the eight teams that were in the Divisional Round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs, all had at least 20 on field assistant coaches on staff. This gives less of a workload on their coaches so they can truly focus on the aspect of the game they were hired to do. Meanwhile, the Steelers' staff seems to be stretched thin. Pat Meyer not only has the duties as the offensive line coach, but he also helps coordinate the run game. Tomlin made it clear in March of 2023 that his coaches will have multiple responsibilities since he believes there are more benefits in smaller numbers.
"I'd rather overwork them than underwork them, you know what I mean," said Tomlin. "I think there's benefit in small numbers. It's easier to keep the group coordinated and on one accord; to have that one voice that is critical and culture-building."
Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles don't seem to share the same outlook to a smaller staff. Both teams have had massive success in the last few seasons, as this is their second meeting in the Super Bowl in the last three years. If Tomlin wants to get back into the Super Bowl picture, these are changes he needs to likely make, or the same results will continue to repeat.
The Steelers Have To Get With The Times And Not Get In Their Own Way
If Tomlin is truly wanting to get out of this lull of mediocrity when it comes to January football, he needs more hands on deck. Free up some of his coaching staff so that they can focus on the positions they were hired to coach. If he doesn't, fans will continue to see the same mistakes made time after time until they can't bear to watch their beloved team on Sundays.
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith as he stands near Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a 2024 practice at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers' offseason has started off with more problems than solutions. From personnel concerns offensively to the lack of quality coaching staff members, this isn't a situation for a team with Super Bowl aspirations to want to be in. More doubt is surrounding Tomlin as his lack of recent playoff success has brought out more negatives to the light. Tomlin needs 2025 to be the turnaround year, or the support from the fans will continue to dwindle.
Are you cornered with the lack of numbers on Tomlin's coaching staff? What changes do you believe needs to happen in Pittsburgh? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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