The Pittsburgh Steelers finished another disappointing 2024 season where their playoff drought continued. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Tomlin has always drawn a ton of compliments for his coaching skills, and the fact he's never had a losing season in 18 years backs that up. However, the issue many Steelers fans have is that the standard isn’t just about regular season success—it’s about competing for Super Bowls. Under Tomlin, the Steelers haven’t even been close to that level in recent years, fueling frustration among the fanbase.
For some, the constant praise for Tomlin’s ability to maintain a winning record year after year feels less meaningful as the Steelers fall short of championship contention. The team’s lack of playoff success and failure to make deep runs has led to growing skepticism. Fans expect more than just avoiding losing seasons—they want a return to the days of Super Bowl glory. This growing discontent has led some to question whether Tomlin’s message and leadership are still as effective as they once were.
It’s been particularly interesting to hear from Tomlin's former players, who are now pundits in the game. One such voice is Plaxico Burress, who recently spoke out on his podcast, Up on Game, about the Steelers' current state. Burress, a former Steelers wide receiver, didn’t hold back in expressing his concerns about Tomlin’s tenure in Pittsburgh. His comments reflect the frustrations shared by many fans who believe it may be time for a change in the direction of the team.
"I think he's a very intelligent, motivating football coach," Burress said. "But when you look at the culture of this team, where they are now, they lost to the Baltimore Ravens. Nobody really expected for them to go into Baltimore and to win that football game. Does Mike Tomlin need a new start? I would say yeah. I really would."
Burress made a strong case for Tomlin needing a fresh start elsewhere if he wants to have another shot at competing for Super Bowls. His argument centers around Tomlin's ability to win regular season games but struggles when it comes to performing in critical moments later in the season.
Burress believes that the lack of postseason success is more a reflection of a talent gap rather than coaching ability. He suggested that Tomlin’s skills would be better utilized in a new organization, where a change of environment could spark a resurgence in his coaching career.
"I think he is one of the best coaches in all of ball, never had a losing season," Burress said. "But when you say that, you hang your hat on never having a losing season, it's not enough anymore. That's the craziest thing about him and what's going on in the NFL. Having winning seasons is not enough anymore. You have to be able to get to a championship and win a championship. And with the current team, look at the rosters that he's had, and he's been able to have all these winning seasons. I think he needs a fresh start."
The idea of Tomlin finding success elsewhere is one that would likely come to fruition if the Steelers ever decided to move on from him. The longstanding argument has been that the grass isn’t necessarily greener for the Steelers if they let Tomlin go. The Steelers are a franchise that doesn’t fire head coaches, having only had three since 1969, which speaks to their loyalty and commitment to Tomlin.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Could Have An Andy Reid Moment If He Left Pittsburgh
Some draw parallels between Tomlin’s potential future and Andy Reid’s experience with the Philadelphia Eagles. Reid’s voice grew stale in Philadelphia, but when he moved to the Kansas City Chiefs, he significantly boosted his legacy with three Super Bowl victories. Many believe a similar outcome could unfold for Tomlin if he were given a fresh start. However, this scenario seems unlikely, as Tomlin is probably here to stay for the long haul.
Tomlin is expected to continue coaching the Steelers until he decides to retire. The organization holds him in high regard, and given their history of not firing head coaches, it’s unlikely he’ll be going anywhere soon. There are still those who wonder if Tomlin would ever consider a fresh start with another team.
While the idea of a change is appealing to some, Tomlin thrives in adversity. He seems determined to turn around the Steelers’ playoff fortunes and prove himself once again, and fans will be hopeful that he can make that happen.
