When the story of Mike Tomlin’s coaching career is eventually written, it will likely begin with a sentence that’s been repeated ad nauseam: Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season as a head coach. It’s a remarkable statistic in the parity-driven NFL — 17 straight seasons of .500 or better. Yet, as the Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2025 season, a different question is quietly emerging among fans, pundits, and even some within the organization: Is it time for more?
Not more wins, per se. But more meaningful wins. As in: deep playoff runs, championship contention, and something beyond Wild Card exits.
The Gold Standard Has Shifted
Tomlin’s consistency is indisputable. Since taking over in 2007, he’s led the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory, two AFC title game appearances, and ten playoff berths. But here’s the rub: Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. They’ve gone one-and-done in their last four postseason appearances, and haven’t seriously threatened to return to the Super Bowl in nearly a decade.
In a city with six Lombardi trophies and a legacy steeped in postseason glory, that kind of drought doesn’t go unnoticed. Tomlin’s greatness is acknowledged — even revered — but greatness in Pittsburgh isn’t measured by regular-season survival. It’s measured in rings.
The Quarterback Conundrum and the Offensive Evolution
Tomlin has often found himself dealing with less-than-ideal quarterback situations post-Ben Roethlisberger. The jury is still out on whether Russell Wilson or Justin Fields — both on one-year redemption tours — can offer the long-term stability the team craves. If either one succeeds, the Steelers could be positioned to do real damage in the playoffs.
But if they falter, the noise will grow louder: not necessarily for Tomlin’s firing, but for meaningful change. That may mean fresh coaching blood on the offensive side, a philosophical overhaul, or even the beginning of succession planning in the front office.
The Reality of Rooney Patience
The Steelers are not a knee-jerk franchise. The Rooney family has been the model of coaching stability for decades. Since 1969, they’ve had just three head coaches — Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin. That level of continuity is practically unheard of in modern sports.
So let’s be clear: Barring a complete disaster, Mike Tomlin is not coaching for his job this season. His leadership, culture-building, and ability to navigate turbulence make him an asset beyond the win-loss column.
But a deep playoff run — an AFC title appearance, or at least a strong postseason showing — could be the proof that Pittsburgh is not merely surviving under Tomlin, but still thriving. That’s what fans want to see. And what ownership, deep down, probably does too.
Legacy Matters — But So Does Momentum
Tomlin’s legacy is secure. He’ll be a Hall of Famer. He’ll go down as one of the most respected and consistent coaches of his era. But the whispers have begun to turn into a low murmur: Has the team plateaued?
If Tomlin can break the playoff drought this season, he can turn the volume down. If not, the questions won’t go away. And for a franchise as tradition-rich and expectation-heavy as the Steelers, that pressure — fair or not — tends to find its way to even the most accomplished leaders.
One thing is certain: The bar is no longer just avoiding a losing season.
It’s winning in January. And maybe, finally, in February too.