Steelers' Tomlin Departure Signals Rebuild Amidst Defensive Decline

Key Quotes

"Mike Tomlin is officially out as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach. He had 19 straight non-losing seasons. Obviously, we discussed on the podcast earlier today about how the Steelers were just in a tough spot in terms of getting back to this point next year, or not necessarily getting back to this point because it seems like they always get to this point, but getting past this point, getting past the Wild Card round, given how old their roster is, given they don't have a quarterback next year, all these different options."

JP Acosta explains that Mike Tomlin's departure from the Steelers, despite his consistent record of non-losing seasons, was influenced by the team's perceived inability to advance past the Wild Card round. Acosta highlights the team's aging roster and uncertain quarterback situation as factors contributing to this difficult position.

"Yeah, this sort of felt like it was time. It's sort of the similar situation that we talked about with John Harbaugh and Baltimore. It's unfortunate because Mike Tomlin is going to be a Hall of Fame coach one day. He is going to get a gold jacket, but sometimes it runs its course. And I think the biggest thing for the Steelers was the defense that Mike Tomlin got hired for, and what the Steelers' calling card was, has constantly deteriorated."

Mike Renner notes that Mike Tomlin's departure, while unfortunate given his Hall of Fame potential, felt like a natural conclusion to his tenure. Renner points to the decline of the Steelers' defense, which was historically a team strength and a key factor in Tomlin's hiring, as a significant reason for the change.

"I think if you're any, I think one of the two things Pittsburgh Steelers' problems were, to me, not necessarily Mike Tomlin related, I thought they were personnel related. Ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired, you did not have a good enough quarterback to win you more than what they won, quite frankly. And two, if there was any downfall of Mike Tomlin as the head coach, it was his inability to identify coordinator talent."

JP Acosta identifies personnel issues, particularly the lack of a strong quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, as a primary problem for the Steelers. Acosta also suggests that Mike Tomlin's struggles in identifying talented coordinators, citing examples like Matt Canada and Arthur Smith, may have contributed to the team's performance.

"It just feels like there needs to be new ideas, a new fresh perspective on what the Steelers should be in 2025 or 2026 with a new leader at head coach. It feels like sometimes there needs to be an, I guess this, you need an iOS update for the Steelers. You can still keep some of the same things and some of the same themes of the Steelers' toughness, physicality, the grit, but it needs to modernize itself a little more."

Mike Renner uses the analogy of an "iOS update" to describe the Steelers' need for modernization under a new head coach. Renner believes the team should retain its core values of toughness and physicality but incorporate new ideas and a fresh perspective to adapt to the current NFL landscape.

"I think there's a couple funny things from this move. The first is that Zac Taylor is the only head coach in the AFC North. You have two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski gone. You have man with the second longest streak of seasons and Super Bowl winner of non-losing seasons in NFL history gone. You have Super Bowl winner and one-time Coach of the Year in John Harbaugh also gone. But Zac Taylor still kicking."

JP Acosta points out the unusual coaching turnover in the AFC North, noting that Zac Taylor is the only remaining head coach despite others like Kevin Stefanski and John Harbaugh, who have achieved significant success, being gone. Acosta finds it noteworthy that Taylor, whom he implies is less accomplished, remains in his position.

"I think they're going to make Marcus Freeman tell them no. I think this is the job where early in the offseason Marcus Freeman said he's going to remain at Notre Dame, but that was before the Pittsburgh freaking Steelers opened up. I think if the Steelers are willing to go out and get Marcus Freeman and, like I said, force him to tell them no, I think that's the first guy that comes to mind."

Mike Renner suggests that Marcus Freeman is a top candidate for the Steelers' head coaching position, believing the team will pursue him aggressively. Renner speculates that Freeman, despite his previous commitment to Notre Dame, might reconsider if offered the Steelers job, implying it's a significant opportunity.