Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has faced intense scrutiny for his team’s performance since their Divisional Round loss in the 2017 playoffs. NFL legend Shannon Sharpe and top commentator Stephen A. Smith have questioned Tomlin’s ability to lead the Steelers beyond regular-season success.
Why Mike Tomlin’s Track Record as Steelers Head Coach Is Concerning
Since 2007, Tomlin has put together an impressive regular-season record, notching 183 wins with a .630 winning percentage. However, his postseason record stands at 8-11 (.421 winning percentage), and he hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016.
In 18 seasons, Tomlin has never had a losing record, but his historic consistency is often overshadowed by the team’s lack of playoff success.
Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith’s Criticism of Tomlin
Sharpe expressed frustration with Tomlin’s leadership, stating, “We hear Mike Tomlin say all the time ‘The standard is the standard.’ Well, in Pittsburgh, now the standard is mediocrity.
“… What is 9-8? What good is that doing me? That’s like kissing your girl through a screen door. That ain’t doing nothing. There ain’t no lips touching, you don’t get to hold no hands. That ain’t nothing, Stephen A. I need more from Mike Tomlin.”
Smith emphasized the need for change, pointing out that the Steelers are the first team in NFL history to go eight consecutive seasons without a losing record but with zero playoff wins.
Smith said, “In the end, really, what level of mediocrity do we want to embrace? Because when you’re middle of the road, you can’t really get a high-end draft pick because you didn’t stink up the joint, and obviously, you ain’t winning championships. So, what difference does it make? That’s ultimately how people are gonna look at it.”
Could Fan Dissent Lead to Tomlin Being Traded?
Steelers fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the team’s one-and-done playoff appearances. Some have called Tomlin “overrated,” arguing that regular-season success alone isn’t enough to justify keeping him as head coach. However, Tomlin’s contract includes a no-trade clause, making it unlikely that he would be dealt without his consent.
While some Steelers fans have lost confidence in Tomlin, fans of other teams who have struggled during his so-called “mediocrity” would jump at the chance to bring him in. Teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, and the New York Giants, for instance — those who have stockpiled losses since 2007.
The Giants, in particular, lead the NFL in losses since 2017 and have gone through four head coaches and three general managers in that time. If Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen fail to win in 2025, could New York consider making a move for Tomlin?
The Giants and Steelers are two of the NFL’s oldest franchises and have been owned by the same families — the Mara family and the Rooney family, respectively — since their inception. On top of that, the Rooneys are related to the Maras.
Despite the criticism, Tomlin remains highly respected within the NFL for his ability to keep his team competitive and build a strong locker room culture that players appreciate. However, the pressure to deliver postseason success is mounting, and how Pittsburgh handles these challenges in 2025, starting with their unsettled QB situation, will be closely watched.