Sunday afternoon when the Pittsburgh Steelers lost to division heavyweight Cincinnati, the pain of a 3-7 start muted many Steelers fans who are not used to a losing record like this. Not since Bill Cowher was head coach, has a team begun a year this bad. His last in 2006 produced a 3-6 start before finishing 8-8.
The man who replaced Cowher finds himself in this territory for the first time in his career. That man is Mike Tomlin. The first losing season of his career is at hand. How much longer that career will last, is really the only question, at this point.
Steelers Clock Watch Now Ticking On Mike Tomlin
Instead of asking Tomlin about why his $108 million dollar defense was shredded like a sack of russet potatoes by a Bengals offense missing Joe Mixon and Ja’Marr Chase. Instead of asking Tomlin why his offense generated zero in the second half of a game they led after 30 minutes. Instead of asking Tomlin about the penalties, the play calling, his rookie quarterback. You know, the boring stuff. Maybe somebody should ask Tomlin point-blank, why would he want to keep coaching at this point.
For the first time as head coach, Mike Tomlin has a chance to walk away and do it when it could get even worse. I could never blame him if and when he does. With TV calling, millions of dollars in yearly earnings that would not require breaking down film, recruiting charts to review, or cap considerations looming, let alone having to hear from the sports media, Mike Tomlin is now on a clock. One that has a 2024 deadline on it.
There is no way Tomlin stays after 2024. He has no reason to, really.
Now Is The Time For Tomlin To Prepare For Pending Change In Career
Look it’s known that TV has already tried to lure him away. He’s done all he could. What Mike Tomlin must determine is if he really, truly wants to rebuild a team and win a Super Bowl. Deep down, why would he want to? Don’t give me all the rah-rah stuff. That POV was one from 50 years ago. Mike Tomlin has no reason to in our hyper-focused, lightning-quick social media zoo we live in to even worry about coaching.
None.
Tomlin knows that. That’s why he flirted with TV a few years ago according to some but stayed on as head coach. I would have too if I still had a sure-shot, Hall-Of-Fame quarterback to lead me on the field. Too bad Tomlin squandered his best remaining years.
But I’ve already covered that sore subject. Ad nauseam.
There’s no sound reason Mike Tomlin should stick around after his contract runs out in 2024. And there are some who have suggested when the season ends, guys like Tomlin, Pete Carroll and others might think of stepping down in the best interest of their respective organizations.
Tomlin should be very comfortable in that scenario. And be ready to comply.
Road Ahead To Success For Steelers Not A Path Tomlin Should Navigate
It’s easy to finger-point at Matt Canada as a reason the offense yesterday did nothing after a very solid effort in the first half. The loss is not totally to blame on such a dismal final two-quarters of play. The much-vaunted defense, one that cost this team nine figures, got torched by a team missing two weapons on offense. Joe Burrow sliced this Steelers D apart, leading three drives of 79 yards or more for touchdowns, with two of those drives requiring over 90 yards. He added four TD passes as well.
And it was all too predictable to some afterward.
That’s on Tyrel Austin, who had a healthy bunch Sunday with Minkah Fitzpatrick back and T.J. Watt doing T.J. Watt things. And as far as placing blame on Kenny Pickett, please stop already. After just six starts, some are writing this kid off.
Please stop and cry me a river already. Pickett had maybe his best game to date vs the Bengals. Keep in mind what he’s had to handle, on the fly no less. With that offensive line. And that OC.
Pickett will be fine. Provided the Steelers can draft help. And you know, replace Matt Canada.
That last part is super important if Pickett stands a chance at success in the shield.
That Steelers squad be led by a head coach who is ready for his turn at the helm of an NFL franchise. Not a man whose best coaching days have long passed. Mike Tomlin is on the clock winding down his NFL run as the Steelers’ head coach. The only answer is when its time finally runs out. I would think by the season’s end if all goes right. This team deserves a new direction. One that Tomlin couldn’t possibly engineer. He has no reason to.
So Steelers fans, will Mike Tomlin retire at the season’s end, or continue to coach into 2023?
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