The future of Mike Tomlin as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers is under intensifying scrutiny as his team prepares for a pivotal NFL showdown against the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday.
Unprecedented Pressure for a Veteran Coach
The highly-regarded Tomlin, 53, has been at the helm in Pittsburgh for an impressive 18 seasons. While the organisation has never endured a losing season under his guidance, the team has not won a playoff game since 2016. This season's 6-6 record, as the regular campaign enters its final stretch, has sparked rumblings of discontent among the team's ardent fanbase.
This discontent became audible last weekend when, following a 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills, some fans in Pittsburgh chanted for Tomlin to be fired. However, reports from ESPN indicate that such a drastic move is not currently being considered by the Steelers' front office.
The Crucial Contract Decision Looming
Tomlin's contract situation adds a significant layer of complexity. He has two years remaining on his current deal, with a team option for the 2027 season. The Steelers must decide whether to activate that final year by 1 March 2026.
According to sources, the front office will conduct meetings after the 2025 campaign concludes to evaluate whether to commit to Tomlin until 2027. Should they decide against it, the franchise would be placed in a potentially precarious position. The Steelers have not fired a head coach since 1968, meaning Tomlin would likely enter the final year of his contract with everyone aware of his impending departure.
Compounding this is a no-trade clause in Tomlin's contract, making any potential move to another team more difficult, unless he chooses to waive it.
A Team at a Crossroads
The quarterback position presents another major uncertainty. The Steelers' current starter is 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, who is on a one-year deal and widely expected to retire after this season. This scenario could see Tomlin overseeing the first year of a new quarterback era before potentially leaving himself.
Despite the current turbulence, a strong finish to the season could change the narrative entirely. As NFL Insider Ian Rapoport noted, "if the Steelers just win today all this probably goes away." A renewed sense of momentum and a push into the postseason would make future decisions far more straightforward for all parties.
The Steelers' remaining schedule is a challenging mixed bag. After facing the Ravens, they take on the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Cleveland Browns, before rounding out the regular season with a return fixture against the Ravens in Pittsburgh.
