Pittsburgh Steelers' legendary Head Coach, Mike Tomlin hasn't been overly popular with the fan base as of late. Despite his remarkable achievement of never having a losing season in 18 years, fans have grown frustrated with his inability to lead the team past the playoff hurdle since the 2016 season. Steeler Nation, which once celebrated Tomlin as a beacon of stability, now finds itself divided, with many questioning if he's outlived his tenure in Pittsburgh. While his record is a testament to his consistency, the lack of postseason success has left some wondering whether Tomlin is still the right fit for the team’s aspirations.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on before Super Bowl XLIII.
The criticism of Tomlin is rooted in a growing sense that he's become entrenched in his ways, sticking to the same philosophies that helped him achieve regular season success, but failing to adapt when the stakes are higher. With no playoff victories in nearly a decade, fans are demanding change, with some even questioning if the Steelers’ championship hopes are being hampered by Tomlin’s leadership. His critics argue that the team needs a fresh perspective, one capable of propelling the Steelers back to the Super Bowl contender status they once held.
In a recent episode of his Overreaction Monday Podcast, Rich Eisen discussed Tomlin’s situation with Chris Brockman, and floated the idea that Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid has set the perfect example for Tomlin to follow. Reid’s career trajectory is one of evolution and adaptation, and Eisen suggested that Tomlin might benefit from embracing a similar approach. With Reid’s success in Kansas City after years of playoff disappointments with the Philadelphia Eagles, Eisen believes that Tomlin might want his own escape plan out of the Steel City.
"It is in my estimation the personification of a road map that's placed in front of Mike Tomlin to say, 'Do you want to find your next spot out of the state of Pennsylvania to continue on your path?'" Eisen said. "Because, take a look at this guy [Andy Reid]."
Reid found himself in a similar position to Tomlin at this stage in his career. The Eagles’ fan base had immense respect for Reid, but after years of failing to get past key hurdles, they began to feel that they couldn’t win with him at the helm. Following a 4-12 season 15 years ago, the Eagles fired Reid, and pundits across the NFL labeled him as a failure, claiming he couldn’t lead his team in the biggest moments.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid talk on the field before Super Bowl LVIII.
Fast forward, and Reid is now poised for a chance to make NFL history once again. Ironically, it comes against his former team, the Eagles, as they prepare for a Super Bowl showdown with the Chiefs. Reid, who went from being fired to becoming one of the greatest coaches of all time, is now looking to three-peat in the Super Bowl. With three Super Bowl victories under his belt, a fourth is now within reach.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Could Benefit From Breakup In Pittsburgh
Eisen, a long-time supporter of Tomlin, had always spoken highly of him. However, after the collapse of the Steelers’ 2024 season, Eisen’s stance shifted. For the first time ever, Eisen suggested that it might be time for the Steelers and Tomlin to part ways, much like the Eagles did with Reid.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin and Chiefs' Andy Reid shake hands after a game
He believes that both sides could benefit from a breakup, as Reid went on to build a dynasty with the Chiefs while the Eagles made multiple trips back to the Super Bowl, even winning one. It worked out for both organizations, and there’s a real possibility that Tomlin could want to follow a similar path. If Tomlin is indeed considering a potential change, it’s not far-fetched to think he might find resurgence in another organization, just as Reid did. It just won't be happening anytime soon as Tomlin is expected back for the 2025 season.
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