Mike Tomlin's reason for leaving Steelers is revealed

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL were hit with seismic news right after Super Wild Card Weekend: Head coach Mike Tomlin is stepping down from his position after 19 years and will no longer be a part of the team. 

Tomlin has done great things in the past, but many people believed that it was time for a change, as there had been so much playoff futility over the previous nine years. Now, the past is in the past, and it is time for a new beginning for both parties involved.

After the fact, insider Josina Anderson spoke about what she had been hearing earlier in the regular season about the situation, which includes why Tomlin wanted to leave Pittsburgh in the first place. 

"The facts of the matter are: League sources heard that Mike Tomlin was contemplating leaving Pittsburgh even before the season started," Anderson said. "Adding, there's been a belief that Tomlin did not feel appreciated with contingents around the city believing he should [be] fired. 'I would say this has been building gradually for the last three years,' the source opined."

According to Anderson, for multiple years, Tomlin "did not feel appreciated with contingents around the city." Whether this was fans, pundits or media alike, this sat heavily with the former head coach. It was not his desire to pursue a new challenge or ownership wanting to move in a different direction, but the vibes were definitely off for Tomlin.

The Steelers kept saying "shut out the noise," but there's a certain level of respect one must feel to do their job appropriately. Tomlin reportedly failed to shut out that specific noise, and that is why he left town. The fans got their wish, and they made it happen. They directly affected this huge decision, according to Anderson's report.

Losing seven straight playoff games embarrassingly would make any fan base demand that massive changes be made, including the head coach. That's tough enough, but then there are Steelers fans who are used to greatness and success, and they just were not getting that. It's a "what have you done for me lately" league, and getting obliterated in January routinely is what Tomlin is now remembered for in the eyes of many.

Steelers fan base learned a frightening lesson with Mike Tomlin stepping down

If Anderson's sources are correct and Steelers fans drove Tomlin out of town, they will keep this information in hand for future reference when any other coach does not meet the sky-high standards of the team. If they know that they can bully the team into getting rid of someone, they will continue to do it until they get a winner as the leader of the team. 

It worked with Matt Canada, as the fans called for him to be fired every chance they got until the Steelers actually did fire him. It worked with Tomlin, as he is bailing from the city for a new job, which would most likely be in TV. There is no reason for them to believe that it won't continue to work. Next time things seem to be at the worst-case scenario, they will make sure the coach knows how they feel.

Outside of that, Pittsburgh might be the most attractive spot for a head coach due to the stability and unwillingness of ownership to fire people on a contract (besides Canada). However, whoever comes in has to know one thing: fans demand the very best. If you come in and don't give any sign of a bright future, your home stadium can and will collectively chant to have you removed.