Ben Roethlisberger tries to clarify previous comments about Steelers' Mike Tomlin

Earlier in December, Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger generated headlines when he suggested that the franchise and head coach Mike Tomlin could both use a "fresh start" following the season. 

The Steelers have since notched back-to-back victories to improve to 8-6 and claim sole possession of first place in the AFC North standings. Ahead of his Steelers Hall of Honor induction that was part of Pittsburgh's home game versus the Miami Dolphins on Monday evening, Roethlisberger attempted to clarify his remarks regarding Tomlin's future. 

Ben Roethlisberger wasn't trying to be "negative" about Mike Tomlin

"I don't think I said anything negative," Roethlisberger said about, per Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "I don't critique the player. I'll critique the play. Just because I said maybe there's a time for some new things, that's just saying that I think Coach Tomlin, if he wants to move on, he has the right to move on. Not that they should. That's up to him. He's earned that right." 

Roethlisberger initially spoke about the situation after pockets of Pittsburgh fans chanted for the Steelers to fire Tomlin during a home loss. Numerous insiders have since said that the Steelers have no intention to dismiss the one-time Super Bowl champion head coach. Tomlin has never had a losing season since his tenure began in 2007 but also hasn't guided the club to a playoff victory since January 2017.

As recently as Monday, a report indicated that Tomlin will be the Steelers' head coach through at least next season. In June 2024, he signed a three-year contract extension with a team option for 2027 that must be decided on by March 1, 2026. 

Ben Roethlisberger is now "fine" with Steelers retaining Mike Tomlin

Some have wondered if Tomlin could want to step away from coaching this coming winter and spend a season working as an analyst for one of the NFL's media partners. It sounds like Roethlisberger now thinks Tomlin should have the final say regarding his future beyond Week 18.

"If he wants to go do something else, he can and should," Roethlisberger added. "We should honor him when that time comes, whenever that is. Maybe he wants to coach for another 10 years. That's fine, too."

The Steelers head into Week 16 holding a narrow lead over the 7-7 Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North standings. Pittsburgh next plays at the 8-6 Detroit Lions in Week 16. As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Steelers as seven-point underdogs for that game.