"No Wonder Mike Tomlin Left": Steelers' Art Rooney II, And The Entire Organization Are Completely In Disarray

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason plans began early as the former head coach, Mike Tomlin, decided to resign after 19 seasons. Tomlin, in his time in Pittsburgh, coached in two Super Bowls (winning one), appeared in three AFC championship games (winning two), and had a playoff record of 8-12. Tomlin is also famous for never having a losing season, something the media gushed over. Tomlin's run, though, ran very stale in the Steel City, losing seven straight playoff games by double-digit scores. When he resigned, it was assumed he was just burnt out and wanted a year off, but recent news suggests it may run much deeper than that. 

Steelers Chairman Art Rooney II assumed majority ownership of the team in 2017 following the death of his father, Dan Rooney. The team hasn't seen a single playoff win since. Over the years, the Steelers became less competitive, and the blame was placed on Tomlin, rightfully so. Tomlin was the head coach and had heavy influence over the entire organization. Now he is gone, and Mike McCarthy is the new leader of the franchise.

The NFLPA's team report cards came out recently, and the Steelers' results were laughable. They finished dead last out of all 32 NFL teams. The franchise ranked last in the newest category as well: home field. The Acrisure Stadium grass has been atrocious over the last few seasons, with players slipping and falling constantly. It doesn't stop there, though. Rooney ranked last in the league in willingness to invest in athletic facilities; the locker room was rated an F. The athletic facility is extremely outdated and this has been the norm in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are a traditional franchise, but need to adapt at some point. 

Stephen A. Smith, on ESPN's First Take recently, had a lot to say on the Steelers' ownership and their report card grade. Smith bashed Rooney and believes he may be the reason Tomlin decided to call it quits. 

"No wonder Mike Tomlin left..." said Smith. "This organization under Art Rooney II, I mean right now, it looks like a disgrace compared to what his family has established of so many years."  

Smith doesn't stop there; he goes on to bash Rooney for the way he handled the McCarthy hire. He acknowledges the change that Steeler Nation begged for, but makes it clear that this change is not better. 

"They've had three head coaches in the franchise's history (since 1969). They hired Chuck Noll in his thirties, they hired Bill Cowher in his thirties, they hired Mike Tomlin in his thirties. Then they go out and get a 62-year-old," Smith explained. "Art Rooney II is clearly doing things differently, but certainly not better, because while the Steelers, his predecessors, his daddy, his family members were winning championships, this man can't win a playoff game."

Rooney's run as the Steelers' owner has been dreadful in the eyes of many Steelers fans, especially compared to his father's tenure. He has reshaped the Steelers' standard from winning Super Bowls, to finishing above .500. 

Now the Steelers will be tied to McCarthy for at least the next five seasons, which may not be a bad thing, but it isn't a long-term solution.

Fans Want Steelers Owner To Step Down

While the Steelers have never been a bad team under Rooney, they've never been a truly good one. One thing that has been consistent is their poor report card grades. They finished last season 28th out of 32. Still an awful result, now Rooney is finally getting exposed. Art II should step down and let Dan Rooney Jr. take the reins. Dan Jr. is much younger and likely won't be stuck in the Stone Age. It's no guarantee Dan Jr. will be his grandfather, but with the latest results, he can't be any worse than Art II.

The Steelers' franchise is nothing like it used to be, having high standards and worrying about nothing but winning. It's hard to see it turning around under current ownership, but maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

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