Strong Accusations Rock Pittsburgh As Former Steelers Player Speaks Out Against Omar Khan

The Pittsburgh Steelers are now in a strange situation for their franchise. Long-time head coach Mike Tomlin decided it was time to hang up his coaching cleats, stepping away from the game after the team’s 30-6 playoff loss at home to the Houston Texans. With Tomlin’s departure, Team President Art Rooney II now faces the daunting task of finding the next head coach for an organization that has only had three head coaches since 1969, highlighting just how rare and impactful this moment is for Steelers fans.

General Manager Omar Khan, in his relatively short tenure, has been largely praised by Steeler Nation for his work building the team’s roster and culture. However, not everyone may share that perspective. While speaking on the On My Soul podcast, former Steelers players Eric Ebron and running back Jaylen Samuels discussed a striking topic regarding the organization’s leadership.

Specifically, Ebron, a former Steelers tight end, revealed that some players didn’t have much respect for Khan during his early involvement with the team. It’s important to note that this was before Khan officially took over as general manager, back when Ebron and Samuels were still with the Steelers. Even so, the remarks shed light on internal perceptions that could be relevant as the franchise navigates the post-Tomlin era and searches for its next head coach.

"Ever since Omar [Khan] took over, what have Omar's draft picks done? We was there with Omar," Ebron said while speaking with Samuels. "I'm not sure a lot of mother****ers walking around that building had respect for Omar. Just call a spade a spade. Call it what it is."

While Ebron’s words are blunt, they carry an important context that Steelers fans should consider. Ebron was only with the Steelers for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. In his two seasons with the Steelers, Ebron started 12 games and made the most of his opportunities. He caught 68 of 109 targets for a total of 642 receiving yards. 

Ebron also contributed seven total touchdowns during his time in Pittsburgh, including six receiving scores and one rushing touchdown, a solid output for his two seasons in the Steel City. Though many Steelers fans were hopeful for more from the veteran.

During that period, Khan had not yet officially assumed the role of general manager, which he took over just ahead of the 2022 season. This timing is crucial, because it suggests that Ebron’s criticisms reflect his perception of the organization during his tenure, rather than Khan’s actual work as GM. Still, the remarks are unlikely to be brushed aside, especially in a season where the franchise is navigating a leadership transition after Tomlin’s departure.

There may also be some lingering bad blood between Ebron and the organization. In 2021, Ebron suffered a season-ending injury, leaving the Steelers in a position where they needed to lean on younger talent. 

At the time, rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth was emerging, and the team made the decision to move forward without Ebron. From Ebron’s perspective, that choice may have influenced his perception of Khan and the front office, even if Khan technically was not in charge at the time.

For Steelers fans, the comments provide an intriguing glimpse into how former players viewed internal dynamics, while also highlighting the challenge of separating perception from reality. 

Steelers Entering A Transformative Period

As the franchise searches for its next head coach and continues to build under Khan’s leadership, the team will need to focus on uniting the locker room, addressing any lingering skepticism, and making strategic decisions that move the organization forward. 

One thing is certain: Pittsburgh is entering a rare, transformative period that will be remembered for years to come.

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