Image Source: Jarrett Bailey
Key Takeaways:
- The Pittsburgh Steelers have failed to advance in the playoffs for the second consecutive year, despite making significant offseason moves.
- Head coach Mike Tomlin has been able to avoid blame for the team’s lack of success, but it’s time for him to face the consequences.
- The Steelers’ roster moves, including the signing of Aaron Rodgers and the trade for Jalen Ramsey, have not paid off as expected.
- The team’s defense has struggled, finishing 26th in total yards allowed, and the offense has been anemic at times.
- It’s time for the Steelers to consider a change in direction, including potentially replacing Tomlin as head coach.
Introduction to the Steelers’ Disappointing Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 season ended in disappointing fashion, with a blowout loss in the wild card round of the playoffs. This marks the second consecutive year that the team has failed to advance in the postseason, despite making significant offseason moves to improve the roster. As one Steelers’ writer noted, "Changes needed to come then – they didn’t." Instead, the team took an "All In" approach, giving T.J. Watt a contract extension and trading for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, among other moves. However, these moves have not paid off as expected, and the team is once again facing an offseason of uncertainty.
The Failure of the "All In" Approach
The Steelers’ offseason moves were designed to bring a championship to Pittsburgh, but they have ultimately fallen short. T.J. Watt, who signed a contract extension worth over $40 million per year, had a disappointing season with just seven sacks. DK Metcalf, who was acquired in a trade, had less than 1,000 yards receiving, while George Pickens, who was traded away, became an All-Pro with the Dallas Cowboys. Jalen Ramsey was a Pro Bowler, but Jonnu Smith had one of the worst seasons for a tight end in NFL history, finishing 784th out of 784 in yards per target, according to David Valente. As the article notes, "All of those offseason moves culminated with what we saw Monday night – a team outgunned and outmanned without any real chance of making a run."
The Blame Game
Mike Tomlin has been able to avoid blame for the team’s lack of success in recent years, but it’s time for him to face the consequences. As the article notes, "Tomlin has been able to throw others under the bus during that time, he’s run out of people to blame." The team’s defense, which finished 26th in total yards allowed, is a major concern, and Tomlin’s inability to fix the problem is a significant issue. The offense has also been anemic at times, and Tomlin’s decision to stick with Matt Canada as offensive coordinator for too long was a mistake. As the article quotes, "Canada was let go mid-season. And while that was the absolute right move, Tomlin kept Canada around far longer than he should have."
The Need for Change
It’s time for the Steelers to consider a change in direction, including potentially replacing Tomlin as head coach. As the article notes, "The New England Patriots moved on from Bill Belichick and are already back to being one of the NFL’s top teams with an MVP-caliber quarterback – Mike Tomlin is not above being fired, nor should Rooney act as if he can’t do it." The Steelers’ owner, Art Rooney II, has expressed frustration with the team’s playoff win drought, but it’s time for him to take action. As the article quotes, "His words of frustration over the playoff win drought a year ago ring very hollow because he isn’t willing to do anything about it." The Steelers’ fans deserve better than a team that is content with mediocrity, and it’s time for the organization to make a change.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 season was a disappointment, and it’s time for the team to take a hard look at itself and make some changes. Mike Tomlin’s inability to lead the team to success, despite having a talented roster, is a major concern. The team’s defense and offense both need to be addressed, and it’s time for the organization to consider a change in direction. As the article notes, "The standard is the standard." And right now, the standard is mediocrity and being good enough to not be good enough. It’s time for the Steelers to strive for more, and that may require a change at the top.
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-commentary/165213/mike-tomlin-is-out-of-people-to-blame