After a promising start, Pittsburgh’s playoff journey came to a disappointing end with a significant 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, a game where the Steelers struggled throughout. Tomlin’s response to the outcome was a lack of optimism; he stated that it wouldn’t be appropriate to sugarcoat the disappointment of not being able to advance further. The team has faced a pattern over the last decade of reflecting on failures each January after emptying their lockers.
As changes loom for the coaching staff, especially on the defensive side, Tomlin’s position appears secure as he begins the first year of a three-year contract extension he signed last June. He expressed confidence in his ability to help the team break their playoff victory drought, the longest since the infamous “Immaculate Reception” over fifty years ago.
Entering another offseason, the Steelers again have uncertainties regarding their quarterback situation. Tomlin is aware of the challenges posed by a highly competitive conference that includes notable MVP candidates like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen, all still vying for postseason success. Currently, the Steelers have only one quarterback contracted through 2025, having recently signed Skylar Thompson from the Miami Dolphins.
The free agency of notable quarterbacks including Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen adds another layer of uncertainty. While both Wilson and Fields have shown interest in returning, the Steelers face the distinct possibility of starting their fifth different Week 1 quarterback in a row.
The offense did see some improvement midseason, especially as Wilson led the team to six victories in their first seven games. Despite that, their late-season performance resulted in an average of merely 14.2 points, inadequate for advancing in the playoffs. Injuries, including a hamstring issue for standout receiver George Pickens, compounded the struggles, alongside Pickens’ tendency to incur penalties during games. Although Tomlin remarked that talking about a contract extension for Pickens is premature, he recognized there is potential for further development.
Tomlin has recognized growing discontent among fans during what he described as the team’s “Groundhog Day” era and admitted that he shares their frustrations. As the 12th winningest coach in NFL history, Tomlin could enter the top 10 if the Steelers achieve at least eight wins in the upcoming season. Despite ongoing challenges, he believes that his message hasn’t lost impact, indicating that much of his job involves strategy, preparation, and talent growth.
He also noted openness to adaptation and change, which is evident in last year’s quarterback overhaul. Yet, it seems the Steelers have simply taken a different route leading to a similar outcome, prompting another round of reflection after a season where their “standard” of excellence wasn’t achieved. The repetitive nature of post-season evaluations in January is becoming increasingly taxing for Tomlin, who believes in a concept he refers to as “football justice.”
Firm in his commitment to the team’s progress, Tomlin indicated that he is not looking to pursue openings elsewhere. The challenge now lies in the crucial quest to break free from the cycle that has left the franchise treading water.
“As uncomfortable as it is, there better be growth in it for us individually and collectively in an effort to make sure 2025 doesn’t end in a similar way,” he said.
