The Baltimore Ravens just got an early playoff gift. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers recently shut down an inquiry from the Chicago Bears about trading for longtime head coach Mike Tomlin. Not only did the Steelers refuse to engage, but Tomlin himself dismissed the idea outright, saying, “Save your time.” For Ravens fans, this is great news.
The Bears recently called the Steelers to see if they would be allowed to talk to and potentially try to trade for longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, only to have Pittsburgh rebuff their inquiry, league sources told ESPN.https://t.co/MviaUsBrjG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2025
Why? Because the Steelers’ refusal to even consider a shakeup all but guarantees they’ll stay right where they’ve been for years: winning enough in the regular season to get Ravens fans mildly annoyed, but falling flat once the postseason arrives. It’s the kind of stagnation that keeps Pittsburgh from being a serious obstacle for Baltimore.
Let’s be honest—when was the last time the Steelers really threatened to derail anyone in January? The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016. Meanwhile, the Ravens have built a roster and culture designed for playoff success, leaving Pittsburgh in the rearview mirror. They just handed Tomlin and the Steelers a 28-14 Wild Card loss, and Steelers fans were so busy calling for Tomlin’s job that they probably racked up overage charges.
Steelers prove they don't have the stomach for change
Here’s the thing about successful franchises: they don’t fear change. They embrace opportunities to evolve and make bold moves to stay competitive. The Steelers, on the other hand, seem content with mediocrity.
By refusing to even entertain the idea of trading Tomlin, they’ve signaled they’re fine with their current trajectory—consistent regular-season wins but no postseason relevance.
Tomlin is undoubtedly one of the most respected coaches in the NFL. His streak of never having a losing season is remarkable. But what does that mean if the Steelers continue to fold when it matters most? Their six straight playoff losses speak louder than any regular-season record. For Ravens fans, this is a win. Baltimore doesn’t need to worry about a revitalized Steelers squad getting in the way of their postseason ambitions.
While Pittsburgh clings to the past and what may have happened, the Ravens are focused on the future. Baltimore has constructed a team that thrives under the bright lights of the postseason, with a roster headlined by Lamar Jackson, Roquan Smith, and Derrick Henry. Under John Harbaugh’s leadership, Baltimore remains adaptable and relentless, traits that Pittsburgh seems to have lost.
The Steelers’ unwillingness to even explore change shows just how far lost they really are. Their loyalty to Tomlin is admirable, but it’s also keeping them stuck in a cycle of irrelevance when it matters most. This is by no means a call to action here, but not even taking a look in the mirror and exploring the simple concept of shaking things up will hold them back, and that's awesome.
So, cheers to Pittsburgh for staying the course. They can keep racking up regular-season wins while the Ravens focus on what really counts: Super Bowl glory. When the dust settles in January, the Steelers’ refusal to adapt means they won’t be in Baltimore’s way. And for Ravens fans, that’s all that really matters.