Is it time for the Steelers to move on from Mike Tomlin?

Steelers fans are dismayed by playoff losses

It’s Tomlin’s postseason record (8-11) that has drawn the ire of Steelers Nation. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016 and have suffered five straight first-round defeats. His eight playoff wins tie for fifth among active coaches, trailing Andy Reid, John Harbaugh, Pete Carroll and Sean Payton, but are four shy of Cowher’s and half of Noll’s.

Tomlin appears to be the victim of his own success. By winning a Super Bowl in his second season, he unwittingly inflated the expectations of Steelers Nation. Had he won it in his sixth season like Noll, or in his 14th like Cowher, the narrative surrounding his coaching career might be vastly different. 

Steelers fans want playoff wins and Super Bowl appearances

Expecting playoff wins is one thing, but Super Bowl appearances are hard to come by. Of the 32 current coaches in the NFL, only five have more than one Super Bowl appearance: Reid (6), Carroll (2), Kyle Shanahan (2), Nick Sirianni (2), and Tomlin (2). Of those five, only Reid has more than one victory (3). If Super Bowl appearances matter, Tomlin is already near the top of the list.

Steelers fans shouting “Fire Tomlin!” should consider this: A coach who has won a Super Bowl leaves big shoes that are awfully hard to fill. Since 1995, only two NFL teams have parted ways with a Super Bowl-winning coach and managed to win another one within five seasons. Those teams are the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles (Doug Pederson, Sirianni) and the 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers (Cowher, Tomlin). If Tomlin leaves, Super Bowl glory will likely have to wait.

The Steelers have a Week 14 showdown at the Ravens and meet them again at home in their Week 18 finale. Wins in both games put Tomlin in position for another winning season, more playoff wins and more opportunities to determine if he is the right man for the job or not.