Super Bowl LIX matchup contrasts Steelers president Art Rooney II's stubbornness  

With Andy Reid and the Chiefs set to meet the Eagles in another Super Bowl, it's clear Philadelphia's decision to move on from the winningest coach in franchise history back in 2012 has worked out well for both sides. And the continued success of both the Eagles and Reid also proves to be an example of why the Steelers' mentality when it comes to Mike Tomlin will forever leave them stuck in neutral. 

On the heels of another early exit and Tomlin's sixth straight playoff loss, Steelers president Art Rooney II held his annual conversation with reporters to put the 2024 season to rest and look ahead to 2025. But while fans wanted to hear big changes coming, what Rooney said instead lends credence to those who believe the Steelers are far from the NFL's elite. 

"When look at how many games Mike (Tomlin) has won in this league, you don’t win that many games if you’re not a good coach," said Rooney while offering his unwavering support for Tomlin. 

Hired to take over for the retired Bill Cowher in 2007, the 2025 season will mark Tomlin's 19th season in Pittsburgh. 

While Tomlin has an overall resume that will likely send him to the Hall of Fame, it's to the point continuing to do the same thing would be insanity for one of the NFL's marquee franchises. 

Tomlin has 183 wins, has led the Steelers to 12 playoff appearances, seven division titles, a couple of AFC crowns, a Super Bowl XLIII championship, and of course, has never suffered a losing season. But most of Tomlin's big success in Pittsburgh came early in his tenure. His postseason record is also now 8-11, which includes six consecutive losses. 

Rooney even added that he does not expect wholesale changes to the coaching staff. 

But beyond supporting Tomlin, something everyone expected to hear, Rooney made a couple of extremely troubling comments. First, he responded "After losing five in a row, it's hard to say we're closer," when asked how far he believes the Steelers are from winning in the postseason. 

He then followed that up with an outdated philosophy about what it takes to win big in today's NFL. 

"I still think that running the ball is a route to success especially when you are playing in the North and outside." 

So in summary, Rooney agrees the Steelers aren't close to contending for a championship while simultaneously keeping the statuesque, both with the staff and strategy. 

And despite a long history of staying loyal to coaches, something the Steelers always argue has worked out from an overall perspective, the opposite mentality has proven to work wonders as well. 

Since the Eagles pulled the trigger on firing Reid, both the franchise and future Hall of Fame coach have enjoyed greater success apart than they ever did together. 

Philadelphia is about to appear in the team's third Super Bowl post-Reid — they are 1-1 in Super Bowls during that timespan, including already losing once to Reid. In contrast, Reid has made a case for himself as one of the greatest coaches of all time. 

On Feb. 9, Reid will lead the Chiefs in a Super Bowl for the fifth time, with an opportunity to accomplish history as the first to achieve a Super Bowl three-peat. 

If the Eagles never fired Reid, would they have the franchise's only Lombardi Trophy? Would Reid have three rings with a chance at four? No one knows, but Philadelphia benefited from not living in their fears, something Rooney seems to be perpetually comfortable doing.