Steelers And Mike Tomlin Had To Break A Big Rule To End Constant String Of Mediocrity

Pittsburgh Steelers fans were absolutely stunned in January when they learned that then-head coach Mike Tomlin was officially stepping down from coaching. Steeler Nation was split on the decision; some were sad to see the future Hall of Famer walk away with all the great things he has done in the past, while others were happy that he was gone so the organization could look towards the future. Either way, what's done is done. The future is now for Pittsburgh. 

While making an appearance on VSiN Morning Line, Gerry Dulac brought up Tomlin's retirement and explained how he and the team had to break a code that they usually live by so that they could finally move forward and get out of this 10-7 record purgatory once and for all.

"You always hear people say that you don't make change for the sake of change, especially when you have a coach as successful as Mike Tomlin," Dulac said. "Well, you know what? It was time for a change for the sake of change. It was never about whether Mike Tomlin was a good football coach. It was just time for a divorce, and that's what they got."

Two things can be true at the same time. First of all, Tomlin has done so many great things for the city of Pittsburgh, as well as the Steelers. It may have been a rocky end, but he will still be remembered fondly. He won multiple division titles, had two Super Bowl appearances, and ultimately took home one Lombardi Trophy for the organization. He was also however, one of the reasons why the organization was so stagnant for years. 

Nearly every other piece of the team had changed since the Steelers' last postseason win. Only two players from that game suited up for Pittsburgh in 2025: kicker Chris Boswell and defensive captain Cameron Heyward. Former special teams coordinator Danny Smith was the only assistant coach that was around for both this past season and that fun 2016 season. There was even an ownership change, as Dan Rooney unfortunately passed away in 2017.

With so much change with the same results happening over and over again, it's hard to dismiss Tomlin from blame with that team. In his last few years, more and more reports would come out about how controlling he truly was. As hard as it was for some players to deal with him walking away, change is sometimes necessary. It's a cruel business, and teams are not successful based off of good vibes from the past. 

Obviously, ownership loved Tomlin, and they would have allowed him to coach at least one more season if he didn't retire on his own terms. They don't believe in making change for the sake of changing. He still won more than he lost, and his ability to relate to the players became his strongest attribute. That's why numerous players like Heyward were quick to defend him when fans started chanting and demanding for him to be fired. 

Steelers Refuse To Make Change For The Sake Of Making Change

Traditionally, the Steelers have kept up with that motto. They have not fired a head coach since 1969, and there is no record of them ever firing a general manager. They find men that they trust and believe in. When things go wrong, ownership stands by their men and gives them the vote of confidence needed to know that their job is not on the line. That appears to be how they will continue to do things for the foreseeable future. 

What do you think about Tomlin and the Steelers breaking tradition and changing for the sake of change with this retirement? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB. I will respond and follow back.

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