Colin Cowherd: Steelers' Mike Tomlin Joining The Los Angeles Chargers Absolutely Makes Sense

The Pittsburgh Steelers' fan base has been growing increasingly frustrated with their legendary head coach, Mike Tomlin. The team's recent struggles in December, marked by a string of disappointing losses, have led to calls for Tomlin's departure, with fans clamoring for a new era in Pittsburgh.

Colin Cowherd, a prominent sports personality known for his outspoken views, recently shared his thoughts on Tomlin's next potential move on his podcast The Colin Cowherd Podcast. He argued that Tomlin's time with the Steelers should be coming to an end, but on his own accord, citing several reasons why a change could benefit both parties.

Steelers' Kenny Pickett Is The 13th Best QB In The AFC

One key factor Cowherd pointed to was the Steelers' current quarterback situation. He expressed doubts about Kenny Pickett's ability to lead the team to success, labeling him as the 13th best quarterback in the AFC. Cowherd believed that Pickett fell short of the elite status required to thrive in the NFL.

"I do think the [Los Angeles] Chargers make sense. He doesn’t necessarily give a rip about personnel. He would look up and go, 'Here’s what I don’t want. I won with a star quarterback. I don’t want a backup.' You could get out of the Kenny Pickett situation, which is weird. It’s dicey because he’s a local kid. The Steelers don’t want to send him shipping. They’re going to be totally sensitive with Kenny Pickett, and he’s just not good enough, period."

Cowherd further emphasized that the Steelers' front office was unlikely to part ways with Pickett, given his status as a local favorite. This sentiment makes Tomlin's position more challenging, as he would have to navigate a situation where the team was committed to a quarterback he didn't consider elite.

Cowherd argued that the Los Angeles Chargers would be an ideal landing spot for Tomlin. He noted that Tomlin's coaching style didn't hinge on a deep involvement in personnel decisions. Instead, Tomlin valued the importance of having a star quarterback at his disposal.

The Chargers recently found themselves in need of a new head coach after parting ways with Brandon Staley following a humiliating defeat against the Las Vegas Raiders. Their 63-21 loss marked one of the lowest points in the season, leading to a coaching change.

Cowherd believes that the timing is right for Tomlin to explore new opportunities after the 2023 season comes to a close. He sees the Chargers as an attractive option for Tomlin, offering him the chance to start fresh with a talented quarterback in Justin Herbert.

Herbert, the Chargers' star quarterback, recently signed a substantial five-year contract extension worth $262.5 million, ensuring his presence in Los Angeles until 2029. This move demonstrated the Chargers' commitment to Herbert as their franchise quarterback. Cowherd noted that he views this time as a perfect exit period for Tomlin. 

"I think it’s a time to exit. You leave, you got Super Bowls. You have the stories for a month. Networks vying for him. I don’t think he wants control in the front office, he won’t get it. I actually think Tomlin to the Chargers makes a ton of sense."

In Cowherd's view, a move to the Chargers would allow Tomlin to leave the Steelers on a high note. Tomlin's impressive track record, including Super Bowl appearances, would generate significant interest from networks and fans alike. His departure from Pittsburgh could provide a month's worth of compelling stories and narratives.

Cowherd also emphasized that Tomlin's future role wouldn't necessarily involve control over the front office, as he believed Tomlin would prioritize coaching and leading a team to success.

During his impressive 17-year tenure as the Steelers' coach, Tomlin has maintained an extraordinary record of never experiencing a losing season. Over this period, Tomlin has overseen 170 regular-season victories, suffered 100 losses, and tied twice, showcasing his ability to consistently perform in the regular season.

In the realm of playoff football, however, Tomlin's success has been more elusive. While he boasts eight playoff wins, his postseason journey has also included nine losses. The last time Tomlin tasted victory in the playoffs was on January 15, 2017, when the Steelers triumphed against the Kansas City Chiefs in a memorable game at Arrowhead Stadium.

While Tomlin's regular season prowess cannot be denied, with a Super Bowl victory in 2009 during Super Bowl XLIII serving as a testament to his coaching ability, recent seasons have raised questions about his teams' performance in crucial matchups. The Steelers, once formidable contenders for the Super Bowl, have not posed a genuine threat in the postseason in several years.

While Tomlin's future remains uncertain, the prospect of him joining the Los Angeles Chargers has garnered attention and speculation within the NFL community. As the 2023 season draws to a close, the offseason may bring significant changes for both Tomlin and the Steelers. It would be shocking if the Steelers or Tomlin do decided to part ways.