Ben Roethlisberger advises Steelers to embrace 'outside noise' regarding Mike Tomlin

Just last week, Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger was among the noteworthy members of the NFL community who were suggesting that the Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin should agree to part ways in January. 

However, that was before the Steelers improved to 7-6 and reclaimed sole possession of first place in the AFC North standings via a 27-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. During the latest edition of his "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger" podcast, the retired quarterback mentioned that the Tomlin-related chatter can help unite the current Pittsburgh squad. 

How Ben Roethlisberger thinks Steelers should react to "outside noise"

"The outside noise is outside noise," Roethlisberger explained, per Jake Brockhoff of Steelers Depot. "Keep it right here. But that's what you need. You need the outside noise this time of year, so that they can, like, come together." 

Shortly after Pittsburgh defeated Baltimore, Steelers edge-rusher Alex Highsmith indicated that he and others within the locker room wanted "to keep fighting and keep stacking wins" for Tomlin. For what it's worth, reports from earlier in December shared that it would be a "major surprise" if the Steelers fired Tomlin after the season. 

As recently as for a piece published on Wednesday morning, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler noted that a divorce involving Tomlin and the Steelers "would qualify as a surprise." The three-year contract extension Tomlin signed in June 2024 reportedly includes a team option for 2027 that must be decided on by March 1, 2026. 

Ben Roethlisberger challenges Steelers to "circle the wagons"

On Tuesday, Tomlin told reporters he feels he has "been in the hot seat for 19 years" and always has "something to prove." Roethlisberger hinted that such comments can help motivate Steelers players as they attempt to remain atop the division standings through the end of Week 18. 

"It's the perfect time to, yep, everyone's talking about us, good, bad, ugly. Here we go," Roethlisberger added during the podcast. "Circle the wagons...We're bringing it in. We're leading the division."

The 6-7 Ravens next play at the 4-9 Cincinnati Bengals this coming Sunday. The Steelers will then host the 6-7 Miami Dolphins for a "Monday Night Football" clash on Dec. 15. As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Pittsburgh as a three-point favorite over Miami.