The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ recent losses to the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots have left some fans questioning the future of their legendary Head Coach, Mike Tomlin. Speculation has swirled about Tomlin’s job security and whether the Steelers might consider even trading him.
However, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Tomlin’s position as head coach is far from precarious, and he is not on the hot seat in Pittsburgh.
Schultz shared his insights on The Herd with Colin Cowherd when Cowherd asked about the status of Tomlin’s employment with the Steelers. Cowherd acknowledged that the Steelers have a storied history of winning championships and raised the question of whether Tomlin’s job might be in jeopardy given the team’s recent struggles.
“The Steelers brand is not Detroit. You know they’ve won championships, they’ve hoisted trophies. Is he [Tomlin] under pressure? Is his job employment in jeopardy? Where are we with Tomlin?”
Steelers Fans Have Been Spoiled
Schultz acknowledged that Steelers fans have high expectations, but also pointed out that they have been blessed with long-tenured coaches. He noted that even Bill Cowher faced criticism before ultimately winning a Super Bowl, and Tomlin, a future Hall of Fame coach, has been well beyond successful in his tenure.
“Can I say that Steeler fans are a little spoiled? I mean they basically have had three coaches in six decades. They wanted to run Bill Cowher out of town because he couldn’t win the big one, he does. Tomlin comes in, he wins a Super Bowl. He is a Hall of Fame coach in his early 50’s.”
When Schultz inquired about Tomlin’s job security, he revealed that, based on his discussions, Tomlin is not on the hot seat. He emphasized that, if Tomlin were not to return for the 2024 season, it would likely be of his own choice. Schultz has no indication that Tomlin desires to leave his role as the Steelers’ coach.
“When I have asked around, not only is Tomlin not on the hot seat, but if he were not to be there next season, it would be by his own volition and I have no reason that he doesn’t want to be the Steelers’ coach.”
As it currently stands, Tomlin’s position as head coach remains secure, regardless of the team’s performance in the remaining four games of the season. The Steelers’ leadership is not inclined to make rash decisions, and those within the organization and the league don’t see Tomlin’s departure as imminent. It appears the decision to terminate Canada mid-season seems to indicate their content with seeing Tomlin with a new offensive coordinator. This move marks the first instance in 82 years that the Steelers have dismissed a coach during the season. The prospect of making additional history by dismissing Tomlin seems highly improbable.
