After getting absolutely obliterated by the Baltimore Ravens in their Wild Card Playoff matchup, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin got a lot of heat. While he wasn't firmly on the hot seat, their lackluster performance caught the attention of Terrible Towel owners—many of whom were calling for his job.
Mike Tomlin has been synonymous with Steelers football for 18 years. Since taking over as head coach in 2007, he’s built an impressive 183-107-2 record and led Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl victory along the way. However, his recent lack of success has to have Pittsburgh fans concerned. They haven't been a legitimately impressive team in nearly a decade. Their last playoff win came back in 2017, and they're in the midst of a six-game playoff losing streak. What a bummer.
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Towards the end of last season, it was obvious they were going nowhere fast. Their offense couldn't keep them in games, which ultimately led to their downfall at the hands of the Ravens. Well, to fix said offensive woes, the Steelers traded and then extended star wide receiver DK Metcalf to pair with George Pickens.
The move was questionable at the time, considering they didn’t have a quarterback, but NFL insider Josina Anderson's recent report makes the move look even worse, especially for Tomlin.
Mike Tomlin's seat is officially getting warm
If Steelers fans thought Tomlin’s seat was warming up after getting embarrassed by the Ravens in the playoffs, just wait until they realize his job security might be tied to Aaron Rodgers. This whole situation is hilarious. Anderson posted:
"Tomlin was very adamant about getting DK Metcalf from what I hear, clearly he’s still at the table over his dice on Rodgers, now he has to bring it home."
First Metcalf, now Tomlin's left rolling the dice on Rodgers. That’s quite the gamble for a guy who hasn’t won a playoff game since 2017. Rodgers is already dragging his feet on Pittsburgh, upsetting future teammates in the process, and if he decides to retire or force his way to Minnesota—which is what he wants—Tomlin will have swung big and completely whiffed.
What’s the backup plan? Mason Rudolph? Bringing back Russell Wilson? Drafting a quarterback at No. 21 and hoping he’s ready to start immediately? None of these options are great, and the Steelers have completely backed themselves into a corner. And they have no one to blame but themselves.
If they land Rodgers, they’ll be hitching their wagon to a 41-year-old quarterback who hasn't looked right for years. If they don’t? Tomlin’s decision to push for Metcalf could be the final nail in the coffin for a fanbase that’s seemingly growing restless.
Either way, this is shaping up to be a total mess, and the Ravens will be sitting back with their franchise quarterback, watching it all unfold. Pass the popcorn.