PITTSBURGH — Art Rooney II, the president of the Pittsburgh Steelers, acknowledges that the franchise faces challenges. However, he believes that Mike Tomlin, the head coach, is not among those challenges. Rooney expressed his ongoing support for Tomlin, who has been unable to secure a playoff victory for nearly ten years, as the team recently exited the postseason following a decisive loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Tomlin, the longest-serving coach in the NFL, signed a contract extension last year that remains effective through the 2027 season. Rooney admitted his frustration with the team’s performance, particularly the disappointing playoff exit, but he does not attribute this setback to a loss of leadership from Tomlin. “Mike still possesses the strengths he has always had in leading a team,” Rooney stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong coaching presence. “With a good coach, our focus should be on continuous improvement.”
While Tomlin’s position is secure, Rooney suggested that adjustments to his coaching staff could be on the horizon. He did not rule out changes involving coaches currently under contract for the next season, including defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and offensive line coach Pat Meyer. “That’s still a process we’re examining,” Rooney commented.
Additionally, Rooney pushed back against claims that the coaching staff is lacking in size, despite the Steelers having 19 designated assistants, which is below the league average. He explained that staff size is subjective and stated, “I just don’t see that as a hindrance,” also highlighting the team’s recent expansion of its analytics department.
A primary concern for the franchise is at the quarterback position, which has been unstable since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement in 2021. The Steelers utilized Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in 2024. Both quarterbacks had their share of successes as well as struggles, with Wilson’s performance declining as the team faced difficulties. Rooney regarded both players as “capable starters” and expressed a desire to retain one on a multi-year contract, though he did not clarify which quarterback would be favored, suggesting that age might influence their decision-making. Wilson recently turned 36, while Fields, who showed potential with a 4-2 record when taking over for an injured Wilson, will celebrate his 25th birthday this March.
Rooney highlighted the need to adequately fill the quarterback room, mentioning the signing of former Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson. He stated that the Steelers would benefit from bringing in players with similar skill sets to enhance team consistency, contrasting the differences between Wilson’s and Fields’ playing styles this past season.
Looking ahead, the Steelers may consider drafting a quarterback with their 21st overall pick. Rooney downplayed the notion that lessons were learned from the disappointing tenures of former first-round pick Kenny Pickett. Instead, he emphasized the importance of thorough evaluations for new opportunities.
Pittsburgh also has several other pressing needs to address, especially on the defensive line, where veteran All-Pro Cam Heyward stands out as a key player. Meanwhile, wide receiver George Pickens exhibits immense talent, despite facing multiple fines for infractions. Rooney, like Tomlin, believes that Pickens has room for development and expressed optimism about his future. No discussions about a contract extension have taken place yet, as is the case with Defensive Player of the Year finalist T.J. Watt. Rooney mentioned their intention to secure Watt’s future with the team.
Watt, at the conclusion of the season, expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team as Pittsburgh aims to move beyond its longest playoff drought in eight years, a period stretching back to the days of the iconic “Immaculate Reception.” Recognizing the frustrations of the fanbase, Rooney shared a light moment about the influx of messages he receives, stating, “My inbox is full.” He acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, “We must determine how to enhance our performance.” Rooney affirmed that Tomlin understands the goals and aspirations of the organization, sharing in the disappointment of the season’s conclusion.
