Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin presided over another first-round playoff exit on Saturday night, as the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Steelers 28-14 in the Wild Card Round. After this latest postseason exit, Steelers fans were frustrated with Tomlin and calling for a coaching change.
Another First-Round Exit Has Pittsburgh Fans Fuming on Social Media
The last time Tomlin won a playoff game was in January 2017.
One fan should have been flagged for piling on after the Steelers’ loss at M&T Bank Stadium, as he said that Tomlin might be the most overrated coach in NFL history.
Mike Tomlin really might be the most overrated coach in NFL history.
He gets destroyed in the playoffs every year but he gets a pass because his teams are always pretty good in the regular season.
He is the NFL version of Doc Rivers. He won a ring and has did nothing since. pic.twitter.com/JSsbpysqG8
— Scott Reichel (@ReichelRadio) January 12, 2025
“Mike Tomlin really might be the most overrated coach in NFL history. He gets destroyed in the playoffs every year but he gets a pass because his teams are always pretty good in the regular season,” the fan said in a post on X. “He is the NFL version of Doc Rivers. He won a ring and has did nothing since.”
The Score posted the SpongeBob SquarePants “My Work is Done Here” meme, referring to the fact Tomlin that wins 10 games during every regular season followed by “sleepwalking in the playoffs.”
Mike Tomlin every year after winning 10 games and sleepwalking in the playoffs: pic.twitter.com/ni5pO1ergp
— theScore (@theScore) January 12, 2025
A fan responded to the SpongeBob post and simply said, “Time for him to move on. Best for all.”
Since Tomlin’s last playoff victory in 2017, 28 other coaches have won at least one playoff game.
Those coaches are Andy Reid, Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Bill Belichick, Bruce Arians, Sean McDermott, Doug Pederson, Zac Taylor, Matt LaFleur, Sean Payton, John Harbaugh, Mike Vrabel, Mike Zimmer, Dan Quinn, Doug Marrone, Nick Sirianni, Dan Campbell, Frank Reich, Kevin Stefanski, Pete Carroll, Bill O’Brien, Anthony Lynn, Jason Garrett, Mike Mularkey, Mike McCarthy, Brian Daboll, Todd Bowles, and DeMeco Ryans.
The last time Mike Tomlin won a playoff game was in January 2017. Since then, 28 head coaches have won at least one playoff game. pic.twitter.com/XAFAiaUnts
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) January 12, 2025
Tomlin is often praised by NFL insiders for never posting a losing season. He holds the NFL record for the most non-losing seasons to begin a head-coaching career.
However, fans sarcastically brought up this stat while criticizing Tomlin, as this isn’t worth much if you are always the first one to leave the big dance.
Oh yeah… well he’s never had a losing season so there’s that. pic.twitter.com/HzMcx6Sn8K
— Nole_of_Steel (@Nole_of_Steel) January 12, 2025
“Oh yeah… well he’s never had a losing season so there’s that,” one fan said, with a meme of Stanley from “The Office” rolling his eyes.
“Nothing you can say to this: Average MikeT. Steelers in last 6 playoff games have now been outscored, wait for it… 140-7 to start those games (TD D TD). It’s what Mediocre Mike T Does Routinely. But at least have a Standard and ‘we don’t live in our fears,'” another fan said.
Nothing you can say to this:
Average Mike T.
Steelers in last 6 playoff games have now been outscored, wait for it…
140-7 to start those games (TJ D TD)
It’s what Mediocre Mike T. Does Routinely🤷🏼🤦🏼♂️
But at least we have a Standard and “we don’t live in our fears”🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
— Rugger6 (@Rugger6Wolfe) January 12, 2025
Another fan chimed in and said: “Falcons, Rams, Chiefs. The 3 Super Bowls Brady has WON before Tomlin won his LAST PLAYOFF GAME. Mike T has to go. I’m not no Steelers fan but at some point, you have to put it in the mixer and see what you can get for him cause he be a very good trade asset.”
There is one problem with the trade theory. It was reported by ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter that Tomlin has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning that the head coach would have to agree to a trade to a particular team before the deal can be consummated.
Just a reminder: Mike Tomlin reportedly has a no trade clause in his contract. Steelers would need to fire him one year into his current extension. He will be back like it or not. Pittsburgh stuck with no chance at a turnaround.
— Ryan Pawloski (@RyanPawloski_12) January 12, 2025
This doesn’t completely rule out a trade, but it is an added hurdle since Tomlin would have to sign off on the deal.
It’s also worth noting that Tomlin recently signed a contract extension with the Steelers, which runs through the 2027 season, so don’t be surprised if he’s back in Pittsburgh next year.