It is time. It is lastly time the Pittsburgh Steelers transfer on from Mike Tomlin. Although the Steelers pleasure themselves on being a franchise of stability — they’ve had solely three head coaches since 1969 — and one unwilling to make knee-jerk choices, Pittsburgh’s 28-14 wild-card loss to the Ravens is the newest instance of why one thing has to present.
Tomlin and his Steelers did not simply lose to their AFC North rival, they obtained embarrassed. They have been down 21-0 at halftime and allowed Derrick Henry to hurry for 186 yards. Regardless of an improved effort within the second half, this newest early playoff exit — the Steelers’ final playoff win got here manner again in 2016 — coupled with their four-straight losses to finish the common season and Steelers followers are left pissed off and questioning if their beloved Black and Gold will ever actually return to glory.
Even after altering their complete quarterback room following final season’s playoff loss to the Payments, the Steelers are left in the identical state of affairs as soon as once more. There are issues if they’ve a quarterback on the roster who can cause them to playoff wins, they handled drama from a top playmaker and their defense collapsed when the staff wanted them essentially the most.
And whereas Tomlin has an overall resume that may doubtless ship him to the Corridor of Fame, it is to the purpose persevering with to do the identical factor could be madness for one of many NFL’s marquee franchises.
Tomlin has 183 wins, has led the Steelers to 12 playoff appearances, seven division titles, a few AFC crowns, a Tremendous Bowl XLIII championship, and naturally, has by no means suffered a shedding season. However most of Tomlin’s massive success in Pittsburgh got here early in his tenure. His postseason document can be now 8-11, which incorporates six consecutive losses.
Tomlin’s defenders will convey up that Chuck Noll solely made the playoffs 4 occasions in his last 12 seasons and Invoice Cowher was allowed to proceed on by way of shedding seasons till he received his lone Tremendous Bowl. Others will argue Tomlin will probably be employed by one other staff in 5 minutes.
Nonetheless, none of that issues when discussing the truth of the present state of affairs.
It is even honest to say Tomlin has overachieved at occasions, most notably getting the 2019 Steelers to at least one recreation shy of a postseason beginning regardless of Ben Roethlisberger lacking many of the 12 months. In fact, the counter to that’s falling in a house playoff recreation to Jacksonville as a heavy favourite in 2017 and failing to get the job finished throughout a interval that noticed Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell all at their finest collectively.
In actuality, ending Tomlin’s tenure doesn’t have to mean disrespecting him. It does not need to imply he does not deserve the Corridor of Fame since his resume stacks up with different coaches already enshrined.
The Eagles as soon as determined the success they have been having fun with with Andy Reid wasn’t sufficient and a change was wanted. Since then, Philadelphia has made two Tremendous Bowls and received the franchise’s solely title. As for Reid, he has three rings and possibly counting as he is nonetheless within the midst of guiding a dynasty.
They do not remorse their choice to fireplace Reid in 2012, however will nonetheless undoubtedly honor him when he takes his place in Canton sometime.
Pittsburgh is not going to fireplace Tomlin, however it’s time for Artwork Rooney II and his longtime head coach to take a seat down and focus on tips on how to mutually half methods. It could truthfully be finest for everybody at this level.
