Mike Tomlin issues challenge to disgruntled Steelers fans ahead of Dolphins game

During the Pittsburgh Steelers' 26-7 home loss to the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 30, angry Steelers fans chanted for the club to fire head coach Mike Tomlin. 

The Steelers have since improved to 7-6 and reclaimed sole possession of first place in the AFC North standings via a 27-22 win over the rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Tomlin issued a bit of a challenge to Pittsburgh supporters regarding the team's upcoming "Monday Night Football" home game against the 6-7 Miami Dolphins. 

Mike Tomlin expects Steelers fans to do this for Dolphins game

"I expect them to show up, man," Tomlin said about Steelers fans, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "It’s 'Monday Night Football' in Acrisure [Stadium]. It’s gonna be a big game." 

The Steelers lead the 6-7 Ravens and the 4-9 Cincinnati Bengals in the battle for the AFC North title. This coming Sunday, the Ravens and Bengals will face off at Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the ESPN Football Power Index gave the Steelers a 67.1 percent chance to claim the division crown. The Ravens had a 29.7 percent chance to win the AFC North at that time. 

Also on Tuesday, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Steelers as three-point favorites for their matchup versus the Dolphins. Pittsburgh hosts Baltimore in Week 18. 

Mike Tomlin opens up about hot-seat chatter

Before the Steelers earned a massive win over the Ravens, a report revealed that the three-year contract extension Tomlin signed in June 2024 includes a team option for 2027 that must be decided on by March 1, 2026. The timing of that leak left some wondering if Tomlin truly was on the hot seat before the Baltimore game. 

"Man, I’ve been in the hot seat for 19 years," Tomlin said on Tuesday. "I always feel like I got something to prove. Not necessarily to anyone in particular, but that’s just the spirit in which I go about what I do professionally." 

Tomlin had no losing seasons from 2007 through the 2024 campaign, but he hasn't notched a playoff victory since January 2017. If nothing else, it could be interesting to hear what Pittsburgh fans do and don't chant on the evening of Dec. 15.