The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to keep their playoff hopes alive in Week 17 with a victory on the road over the Seattle Seahawks. If they want to keep those hopes alive, they will need to defeat the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18.
The Steelers could catch a massive break as the Ravens sound like they will be resting some regulars in the game. With the No. 1 seed in the AFC already clinched, Baltimore has nothing to play for in the regular season finale.
With a victory, Pittsburgh would move to 10-7 on the season. Head coach Mike Tomlin has extended his NFL record of seasons to begin a head coaching career without being under .500 to 17. Overall, the Steelers haven’t had a losing campaign in 20 seasons, a feat only topped by the Dallas Cowboys who had 21 straight seasons without a losing one from 1965-1985.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Tomlin & Pittsburgh Steelers Updates
Despite the team rallying the last few weeks to keep their season alive, there are some NFL analysts who believe that Tomlin is on the hot seat. One of those people is Colin Cowherd. On a recent segment of his show, The Heard with Colin Cowherd, he revealed a hot take on Tomlin, as he believes it is time for him and the Steelers to part ways.
“Your team has plateaued,” said Cowherd, “What you bring to the table, they no longer need, and your services would be great elsewhere. Nobody thinks Mike Tomlin is a lousy coach. But the NFL has pivoted to offense, and the Steelers have been a bottom-ten offense in five straight years.
“But you can also argue, what he brings to the table, Pittsburgh has coming out of their eyes and don’t need it anymore. They need somebody to take that toughness, an offensive coach, and elevate the offense. Because they’ve become a bad offense.” (H/T Sporskeeda)
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Tomlin & Pittsburgh Steelers Updates
Cowherd’s comments were made in response to Kansas City Chiefs star tight end, Travis Kelce. In a recent episode of the podcast he hosts with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, Travis ripped into media members who believe Tomlin should be fired.
It is certainly an interesting debate as peers and opposing players all have the utmost respect for Tomlin and what he has accomplished during his time in Pittsburgh. But, this is a fan base hungry for postseason success as the team hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season, losing four straight postseason games.
Should the Steelers move on from Tomlin, he will have other teams lining up to bring him on as their head coach. While there are some shortcomings to him as a head coach, the results don’t lie. His teams are successful as he gets the most out of his group every season.
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