PITTSBURGH – For Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the word “stuck” doesn’t apply to his team. To him, being stuck would imply a sense of helplessness, and he refuses to see the organization in that light. However, optimism isn’t exactly abundant in his perspective either.
Tomlin’s stance reflects the complex state of the Steelers after their fifth consecutive postseason ending in a one-and-done scenario. While the team has avoided falling into mediocrity with 18 straight non-losing seasons under Tomlin’s leadership, they have also failed to reach the pinnacle of success.
Acknowledging the Struggles
“I’m not ready to sell optimism, nor am I feeling overly optimistic,” Tomlin said during his end-of-season press conference. “I’m just acknowledging what has transpired, what needs to happen, and what has started to happen. It’s a challenging road ahead, but we feel capable of making the necessary changes.”
Despite an impressive 80 regular-season wins over the past eight years, the Steelers haven’t secured a playoff victory in that stretch, going 0-5. Their consistent regular-season success has paradoxically limited their ability to draft top-tier talent, with their 2025 first-round pick sitting at No. 21. General Manager Omar Khan has demonstrated some aggressiveness in the trade market, but the Steelers remain hesitant to deviate from their traditional methods, often avoiding the significant moves required to secure franchise-altering talent.
Adaptation and Accountability
Tomlin emphasized that the team is not content with stagnation, promising a fresh approach moving forward. “Rest assured, we’re not doing the same things and expecting different results,” he said. “We’ve adapted, and we will continue to adapt. Our goal remains clear: to be world champions. Falling short consistently means we must stay open to change.”
Tomlin himself is entrenched in his role after signing a three-year extension in 2024, but other significant changes loom as the Steelers attempt to break their cycle of being above average yet not championship-caliber.
Potential Roster Shake-Ups
The Steelers face pivotal decisions regarding their roster. Defensive stalwart T.J. Watt is a prime example. A perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Watt struggled late in the season, failing to record a sack or tackle in his final 117 snaps. While Watt remains a cornerstone of the defense, the Steelers must either utilize him more effectively or consider leveraging his value in a trade to acquire assets that could reshape the team.
Other trade candidates include safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and wide receiver George Pickens. Fitzpatrick, who has been used conservatively as a last line of defense, has seen his game-changing impact diminish, recording just one interception over the past two seasons. Trading him could free up significant cap space to invest in other areas, such as acquiring a top-tier cornerback to pair with Joey Porter Jr.
Pickens, despite his undeniable talent and highlight-reel catches, has raised concerns with inconsistent behavior and maturity issues. With contract extension talks looming, the Steelers face a dilemma: commit to Pickens or explore alternatives in the draft or free agency, where players like Tee Higgins or Chris Godwin could offer more stability.
Quarterback Conundrum
The quarterback position is another pressing issue. Russell Wilson, acquired last offseason, started as QB1 but faltered late in the season despite an early resurgence. Meanwhile, Justin Fields showcased promise in limited action, demonstrating his potential as a dual-threat quarterback. Tomlin hinted at giving Fields a legitimate shot to lead the team, noting his professionalism and growth within the system.
The Steelers could also explore the free-agent market, with veterans like Sam Darnold or Kirk Cousins potentially available, or exercise patience in the 2025 draft. However, reaching for a quarterback, as they did with Kenny Pickett in 2022, could lead to more setbacks. Instead, the team might focus on building a stronger foundation for a future quarterback class featuring prospects like Arch Manning or Carson Beck.
Coaching Staff Overhaul
Changes are also likely on the coaching staff, particularly on defense and the offensive line. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin struggled to maintain consistency, with the defense faltering in critical moments against top quarterbacks. Potential replacements include Lou Anarumo, known for his work with the Bengals, or Wink Martindale, celebrated for his aggressive schemes.
The offensive line, despite significant investments, failed to deliver. Injuries to key players like Broderick Jones and James Daniels hampered progress, while others like Mason McCormick struggled with consistency. A new offensive line coach with a proven track record could help maximize the potential of the young unit.
The Path Forward
For the Steelers, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, but Tomlin’s commitment to adaptability offers a glimmer of hope. The organization must navigate tough decisions on the roster, coaching staff, and quarterback position to escape the cycle of mediocrity and aim for the championship heights they once routinely reached.
Three things Mike Tomlin and the Steelers must fix this offseason……
