Steelers' Mike Tomlin Offers Refreshing Clarity And Candidly Acknowledges Need For Change In 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 season ended on a dour note when they lost their fifth consecutive AFC playoff game. They managed to win 10 games for the second time in the last six seasons, but the patience of the fan base for lack of postseason success is wearing thin. Pittsburgh narrowly avoided finishing last in the AFC North for the first time ever. They finished last in the AFC Central in 1988, and a complete overhaul of the coaching staff ensued, much to the disdain of Chuck Noll.

Mike Tomlin held his final press conference of the season on Thursday. The Steelers’ coach was as open and candid as he has ever been during a session with the press. He disarmed the elephant in the room right off the bat with some self-deprecating humor and took questions on multiple topics regarding his contract status, coaching staff, and his quarterback room. A common theme flowed through the press conference that should provide hardcore Steelers fans with some optimism.

"I want that confetti for this group," Tomlin confessed. "Whatever we have got to do to do it, whatever changes need to be made, I'm open to it." 

Pittsburgh finished 28th in the league on offense this season. It is their lowest ranking ever. The offensive scheme was a train wreck that could not be overcome by, in the kindest terms, sub-par quarterback play by Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky. Mason Rudolph was the most effective quarterback for the black and gold, but that is not exactly a high bar at this point. 

The defense didn't fair too much better. TJ Watt was once again elite and led the NFL in sacks. Alex Highsmith was a force to be reckoned with, but Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward missed significant time due to injuries. Pittsburgh's defense forced turnovers and finished sixth in scoring defense, but also finished 21st in the NFL in yards allowed, and touchdowns allowed. 

"You always face challenges during the course of a season," Tomlin told Adam Schefter from ESPN. "I think you continually have to have a hardcore plan while being light on your feet from a change perspective. You can't blow in the wind."

The Steelers' defense endured multiple injuries that led to issues on that side of the ball. In addition to Fitzpatrick and Heyward, the Steelers lost their top two inside linebackers, Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander, to season-ending injuries. Damontae Kazee was suspended after the Indianapolis Colts loss for the remainder of the season. 

Pittsburgh adjusted to those losses and was forced to seek solutions in unusual circumstances. Some of them worked. In the case of Eric Rowe, Trenton Thompson, and Myles Jack, they may have played themselves onto the 2024 roster. Tomlin was asked if his 17 years of experience made it more difficult to move on from a season full of challenges like this at this stage of his career. 

"It comes to a screeching halt. I don't know that you have that option," Tomlin replied. "Sometimes, I don't want to move past it. Sometimes I just want to be here for a minute in an effort to improve. That's probably where I am, honestly, as I stand here today."

It is easy to get caught up in what this group did not achieve. Steeler Nation is suffering, and Tomlin has inflicted multiple wounds with his lack of success in the postseason. However, on days like this, when he chooses to expose the emotional toll that losing in this fashion takes on him and his team, you can't help but hope he somehow finds his way back. 

"I'm appreciative of this collective and what they were willing to do," Tomlin said. "All the while understanding that there will be changes. I think those of us that are in this business understand that, will thoughtfully and intentionally go about that."

Tomlin would go on to reiterate that the search for an offensive coordinator will not begin or end with Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan. He would not commit to the status quo on the defense. The Steelers' head coach said all the things the fan base was hoping to hear. Ultimately, Tomlin is publicly embracing change. 

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Confident His Contract Will Be Renewed

A contract extension needs to quickly follow so that Pittsburgh can approach the best-qualified candidates. Tomlin has to follow through on his promise for change, but the Steelers have to give him enough leverage to deliver it. Pittsburgh rewarded Bill Cowher at his lowest point in 2000 with a contract extension despite a fan outcry to move on from him. 

A renaissance occurred almost immediately in Pittsburgh with a return visit to the AFC Championship, thrilling playoff victories, and a Hall of Fame quarterback's arrival, followed closely by a Lombardi Trophy. The need to embrace change is a new refreshing tone for Tomlin, and the organization should encourage and reward his expressed willingness to do things differently.