Steelers' Mike Tomlin Absolutely Ready To Give Up Control To Veteran QB

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has taken a lot of criticism from the fan base. The fact that the Steelers haven't won a playoff game under Tomlin since the 2016 season adds to the frustration. Many fans argue that Tomlin’s heavy involvement in the offense has stunted the team’s growth, with some believing that his tendency to micromanage has contributed to the Steelers’ offensive struggles. These fans feel Tomlin’s control over the offense may be preventing the team from reaching its true potential.

However, one of Ben Roethlisberger's former teammates, Ryan Harris, offered a much different perspective on Tomlin’s role in the offense. Harris believes that Tomlin’s relationship with Roethlisberger has shaped his approach to quarterbacks. Instead of tightly controlling the offense, Harris suggests that Tomlin has always been more flexible with his star signal-callers, allowing them room to lead. With a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers possibly coming to the Steel City, Harris believes Tomlin would be willing to take a step back and give Rodgers the autonomy he needs to run the offense effectively.

Harris went on to explain on KOA Sports that if the Steelers were to bring in Rodgers, Tomlin would likely shift his approach. He suggested that Tomlin would recognize Rodgers’ experience and leadership, fully trusting him to take command of the offense. According to Harris, this would be a crucial turning point for the Steelers — one where Tomlin would finally be willing to relinquish some of his control in favor of empowering a future Hall of Fame quarterback to lead the team in a new direction for the 2025 season.

"I do know from playing with Ben Roethlisberger," Harris said. "Mike Tomlin is an incredible of a head coach as you'll ever find. He is the most hands-off with a quarterback I've ever been around. Whatever you want to do."

Tomlin has faced criticism for not fully trusting his Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, or his quarterbacks. Harris believes this is more about the personnel than Tomlin refusing to give up control. 

Harris thinks Tomlin would give Rodgers the same freedom Roethlisberger had.

"They would literally give Ben Roethlisberger, the install would be, 'Hey Ben, for third down, we like these five plays. You just let us know what you're picking,'" Harris said.

Smith’s offense faced heavy criticism in 2024, his first season in Pittsburgh, as he inherited one of the NFL’s worst offenses. With many new pieces and a steep learning curve, year one was a growing experience for both Smith and the Steelers’ offense. Heading into year two, expectations are high for Smith to make significant strides and help the offense thrive, especially with playmakers like DK Metcalf and George Pickens.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Likely Would Have A Lot Of Trust In Aaron Rodgers

Of course, the future of the offense largely depends on whether Rodgers actually signs with the Steelers, adding a major element to the puzzle. If Rodgers joins, it will be fascinating to see how Tomlin, Smith, and Rodgers collaborate and delegate responsibilities on offense. Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting Rodgers’ decision and wondering how the dynamic would unfold, with the polarizing quarterback raising concerns about how well he’ll mesh with Tomlin and Smith.

Roethlisberger and Tomlin built a strong trust over nearly two decades together, forming a unique bond on and off the field. Similarly, Rodgers has earned Tomlin’s trust through years of fierce competition against each other. It would be fascinating to see Tomlin take a step back in 2025, allowing Rodgers and Smith to truly collaborate and run the offense together. Now Steeler Nation waits as they hope to soon find out who the starting quarterback will be for the 2025 NFL season.

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