Congratulations Coach Mike Tomlin on 17 years of never having a losing season!

[Edman]

Mike Tomlin wins NFL games with Duck Hodges, Mason Rudolph, and Kenny Pickett playing under one of the worst offensive coordinators in recent NFL history.

First off, who thought Matt Canada had the credentials of an NFL coach and hired him? "Winning" with the problems you helped create isn't a ringing endorsement.

Tomlin wasn’t going anywhere…

Tomlin wasn't going to be fired, but he wouldn't get a contract renewal and likely go into 2024 a lame duck if the Steelers' freefall to 7-10. Now there's talk of extending him beyond 2025.

We have no idea the magnitude of how much Mason Rudolph rescued Tomlin. After the Colts debacle Tomlin had no answers left and his hand was forced after seeing Trustinky trash another season. He personally gets no credit for it because he thought Mitch Trubisky was a better option than both him and Pickett, but congratulations all the same for keeping the standard. Mediocrity.

[Mojouw]

First off, who thought Matt Canada had the credentials of an NFL coach and hired him? "Winning" with the problems you helped create isn't a ringing endorsement.



Tomlin wasn't going to be fired, but he wouldn't get a contract renewal and likely go into 2024 a lame duck if the Steelers' freefall to 7-10. Now there's talk of extending him beyond 2025.

We have no idea the magnitude of how much Mason Rudolph rescued Tomlin. After the Colts debacle Tomlin had no answers left and his hand was forced after seeing Trustinky trash another season. He personally gets no credit for it because he thought Mitch Trubisky was a better option than both him and Pickett, but congratulations all the same for keeping the standard. Mediocrity.

Funny....the next sentence of the post you clipped a portion of is "... fully acknowledge that Tomlin is part of the series of decisions/problems that created that dumpster fire....BUT...focusing on the actual games...."

Context is everything.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Sparks fly

Taylor Swift’s boyfriend has some advice for critics of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin: You need to calm down.

During the latest edition of his “New Heights” podcast with his brother (Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce), Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce ripped any media members who suggested the Steelers should move on from Tomlin.

“They were talking about firing him, what, seven weeks ago,” Jason Kelce said.

“The media is so dumb,” Travis Kelce responded. “Why do we do the media? Just a bunch of (jerks) … one of the best coaches the NFL has ever even seen.”

https://triblive.com/sports/first-ca...injury-update/

[lipps83]

Sparks fly

Taylor Swift’s boyfriend has some advice for critics of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin: You need to calm down.

During the latest edition of his “New Heights” podcast with his brother (Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce), Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce ripped any media members who suggested the Steelers should move on from Tomlin.

“They were talking about firing him, what, seven weeks ago,” Jason Kelce said.

“The media is so dumb,” Travis Kelce responded. “Why do we do the media? Just a bunch of (jerks) … one of the best coaches the NFL has ever even seen.”

https://triblive.com/sports/first-ca...injury-update/

Yeah, but really, who is Travis Kelce?

Would someone that actually 'does the thing' with other people that 'do the thing' at its highest level really know better about what it takes to win at 'the thing' than someone who is only capable of watching 'the thing' on television and then complaining about it on the internet?

[Steeler-in-west]

Just shut up already Travis of KC, yeah so you don’t have to worry about the Steelers come playoff time?

[Rocky Mtn.]

Sparks fly

Taylor Swift’s boyfriend has some advice for critics of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin: You need to calm down.

During the latest edition of his “New Heights” podcast with his brother (Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce), Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce ripped any media members who suggested the Steelers should move on from Tomlin.

“They were talking about firing him, what, seven weeks ago,” Jason Kelce said.

“The media is so dumb,” Travis Kelce responded. “Why do we do the media? Just a bunch of (jerks) … ONE OF THE BEST COACHES THE NFL HAS EVER SEEN.”

https://triblive.com/sports/first-ca...injury-update/

Especially if you're an Eagle or Chief! Just a little humor. Go Steelers! Season still alive.

[Voice of Reason]

You know, when you first joined this board I thought "hey great, another individual that I could have meaningful interactions with" because you gave yourself the name "Voice of Reason".

I see now that you did not choose that name because you are able to use sound logic and reason in your discussions, but rather because you feel that your viewpoint is "the correct one". The more emotional one is the less logical they become because "logic" is born from the mind and "emotion" is born from the soul. While we use each to experience and interpret reality, they are not equal. They are opposites, so the more present one is the less the other becomes.

The difference between you and me is actually that I'm the one that uses "sound logic and reason" while you're the one who uses emotion. How "logical" is it for you to continually ignore or rationalize the dismal record of playoff appearances and wins by Tomlin's Steelers over the past ten years? And how "non-emotional" is it for you to consistently make personal attacks on anyone who disagrees with you on this topic, like you're doing with me right now? In my past few posts I've given all kinds of facts and logic and reasoning about why I feel the way I do about Tomlin. You're apparently getting frustrated that you can't refute them, so you come up with this.

[Voice of Reason]

Is an 8-8 or 9-8 season where we don't make the playoffs "enough" for you?

Is the number of playoff appearances and playoff wins the Steelers have had over the past ten years "enough" for you?

Yes.

OK, at least you're honest about it.

So let me ask you another question. What is your tipping point here? How bad do the Steelers have to be under Mike Tomlin before even you finally decide he has to go?

EDIT: Same question for lipps83.

[Voice of Reason]

Sparks fly

Taylor Swift’s boyfriend has some advice for critics of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin: You need to calm down.

During the latest edition of his “New Heights” podcast with his brother (Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce), Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce ripped any media members who suggested the Steelers should move on from Tomlin.

“They were talking about firing him, what, seven weeks ago,” Jason Kelce said.

“The media is so dumb,” Travis Kelce responded. “Why do we do the media? Just a bunch of (jerks) … one of the best coaches the NFL has ever even seen.”

https://triblive.com/sports/first-ca...injury-update/

I'm sure that Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the good teams in the NFL all LOVE the job that Mike Tomlin is doing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Because when it comes to winning championships, or even just beating them in playoff games, Tomlin's Steelers are no threat to them.

[lipps83]

How "logical" is it for you to continually ignore or rationalize the dismal record of playoff appearances and wins by Tomlin's Steelers over the past ten years?

I am neither ignoring nor rationalizing his playoff record. I am not bothered by them, you are. I accept them as the outcomes that they were and are.

You are bothered by them because you have an emotional investment in the outcome. I have an emotional investment in the outcomes as well, minimally, but I understand that I am responsible for how I feel, not the Pittsburgh Steelers or Mike Tomlin, therefore it is not the responsibility of the Pittsburgh Steelers nor Mike Tomlin to make me feel better, it is mine and mine alone.

Most people don't get that.

And how "non-emotional" is it for you to consistently make personal attacks on anyone who disagrees with you on this topic, like you're doing with me right now?

Please show me where I have personally attacked you.

If you point to this statement:

I see now that you did not choose that name because you are able to use sound logic and reason in your discussions, but rather because you feel that your viewpoint is "the correct one"

This statement, when read correctly, is not an insult but an observation that I have had. If you read that has some sort of 'attack' or 'insult', that responsibility lies on you. It is my responsibility to write as clearly and concisely as I can to try to reduce misunderstanding, but I cannot do the interpretation for you. While I do exist within your mind, I have no control over how you choose to read and then respond to your environment.

If you chose the name that you did because you are able to use sound logic and reason in your discussions and NOT because you feel that your perspective is more correct than others, then I apologize for the misunderstanding.

Either way, I look forward to having many discussions with you here.

In my past few posts I've given all kinds of facts and logic and reasoning about why I feel the way I do about Tomlin. You're apparently getting frustrated that you can't refute them, so you come up with this.

You have, but I think the trouble you are having is that you are letting 'how you feel' skew your perspective of the kind of coach Mike Tomlin actually is. I am also not trying to refute anything, what I am trying to do is show you that YOU and YOU alone are responsible for how you feel about what you call 'Mike Tomlin's dismal playoff record'.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin are just doing what they do in the best way that they can.

They are NOT responsible with you either being happy or sad about the results.

That is 100% on YOU and every other fan that comprise Steelers Nation.

So let me ask you another question. What is your tipping point here? How bad do the Steelers have to be under Mike Tomlin before even you finally decide he has to go?

EDIT: Same question for lipps83.

That is a decision that the Pittsburgh Steelers will make on their own, regardless of how I feel about it, so I try to put my emotional energy into other things I do have control over and not waste it on Mike Tomlin and his win/loss record. I don't care how many Super Bowls the Pittsburgh Steelers win. I have watched them win 2 and lose 2 and it didn't change my life, so it isn't of much importance to me. Winning a Super Bowl is nice, but nothing more than that.

For me personally, it would take three consecutive seasons under .500 in a row before I would think about making a change. Sometimes good things take time to unfold themselves, but most people in today's world do not have any patience to allow things to bear fruit on their own. So little-to-no fruit is ever able to grow and you have to wait for that super hot QB to fall into your lap and then ride him as long as possible. I just think that is a really stupid way to run a franchise. I believe in Football Justice where those who have patience and compassion for their people are rewarded.

You have to understand though, I have lived in Detroit Lions country for almost 30 years, so I have a perspective that some Steelers fans do not.

I keep telling everyone that will listen, you really have no idea how good the Pittsburgh Steelers have had it. If you listen to people that actually conduct their business within the NFL, they will tell you the same.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been more successful than any franchise over the last 50 years.

The Detroit Lions have won ONE playoff game in the last 50 years.

I am a fan of both franchises, of course not equally. The Steelers, no matter how awful, could never be replaced.

[polamalubeast]

For Tomlin, I believe he is a good head coach and I have no problem with him being back for the next few years if he has a much better coaching staff...He deserves criticism for keeping Matt Canada for a another year...it's absolutely ridiculous, no other team would have done that in this situation....I have no problem with stability if the results are acceptable but that wasn't the case with Canada.... I also hope he will have a new o-line coach too

For the non losing season streak, it proves that Tomlin has a very high floor no matter what and this is one of the best in NFL history but he must absolutely improve his ceiling which is what matters the most at the end of the day and a good coaching staff around him would be good step in the right direction

One of the reasons for John Harbaugh's success with Baltimore is that he surrounds himself with very good assistants and when the results are not good enough, he is not afraid to change.

[Mojouw]

I think the feelings thing is interesting. I'm not gonna say I'm not emotionally invested but that typically stops when the game is over. For the most part.

People often talk of being proud or embarrassed or whatever based on the Steelers game. I've never been able to get that. I'm not against it or critical of it. But I do think it influences opinions. Just as a more detached POV influences mine.

Good to see PB back posting. You were missed.

I also think bringing Canada back was a significant mistake. But so many teams have brought back flawed coaches in the name of continuity. Often to disastrous results. I'm not saying Steelers were right here, just that they made a common NFL mistake.

And a strong argument can be made that Harbaugh stuck with Roman and a flawed skill position roster for far too long.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I think the feelings thing is interesting. I'm not gonna say I'm not emotionally invested but that typically stops when the game is over. For the most part.

People often talk of being proud or embarrassed or whatever based on the Steelers game. I've never been able to get that. I'm not against it or critical of it. But I do think it influences opinions. Just as a more detached POV influences mine.

Good to see PB back posting. You were missed.

I also think bringing Canada back was a significant mistake. But so many teams have brought back flawed coaches in the name of continuity. Often to disastrous results. I'm not saying Steelers were right here, just that they made a common NFL mistake.

And a strong argument can be made that Harbaugh stuck with Roman and a flawed skill position roster for far too long.

I agree. I think I was more emotionally invested 20 years ago than now in a weekly Steelers win or loss. Great to see a win, but losses happen and its no reason to let a bunch of football players that dont know me, impact me.

I think Tomlin has build a culture that players like to play in, but a lot of the Tomlin talk about competition internally to drive growth and progress doesnt seem to be prevalent lately. Canada seemingly wasnt challenged or pushed to improve as much as just given constant trust despite the lack of results. Hopefully that changes and a better OC is part of the plan for next season.

[lipps83]

I think PB gave a fair assessment and he pointed out the same thing that Mojouw did with Canada as a flaw that I think most would agree exists with Mike Tomlin. It is his commitment to people and giving them the chance to prove themselves out.

Sometimes it will work out and sometimes it will not, but with Canada it went to the extreme and the entire team did suffer for it. Same with sticking with Trubisky for as long as he did.

On the flip side of that, sometimes it does take an extreme situation for someone to be willing to correct something within their own self.

Maybe that is what the Canada and Trubisky situation was for Tomlin, or could be?

Time will tell.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Tip your cap to future Hall of Famer Mike Tomlin.

what Larry Fitzgerald has to say:

https://steelersdepot.com/2024/01/th...omlin-slander/

[DesertSteel]

To Tomlin's (late) credit, he did fire Canada in season, something that was said would never happen in Pittsburgh.

[Edman]

Remarkable Mediocrity.

[Edman]

Was 2019 the year Ben’s elbow disintegrated?

That was a SB team with a healthy Ben.

Hate to burst the bubble but that team was destroyed by New England in the first week with Ben.

The Defense channeled the spirit of the 1976 Steelers and played over their heads because they were forced to carry Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges and had the talent to do it. I don't think they do the exact same with Ben providing a cushion.

[DesertSteel]

Playoff wins since 2014:
Ravens 1
Steelers 3

- - - Updated - - -

Hate to burst the bubble but that team was destroyed by New England in the first week with Ben.

Seasons are determined by the first game now? You're a broken record.

[polamalubeast]

Hate to burst the bubble but that team was destroyed by New England in the first week with Ben.

The Defense channeled the spirit of the 1976 Steelers and played over their heads because they were forced to carry Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges and had the talent to do it. I don't think they do the exact same with Ben providing a cushion.

Ben was not healthy in week 1 and Fitzpatrick was still not with us....

[DesertSteel]

273/274 games Tomlin has coached have had playoff implications. Thanks for sharing that positive info about Tomlin.

[pczach]

273/274 games Tomlin has coached have had playoff implications. Thanks for sharing that positive info about Tomlin.

I have my issues with Mike Tomlin on how he handles some things, but we have been fortunate to at least be in contention of meaningful football every year. It's frustrating at times, but it could always be a lot, lot worse.

It's a hell of a lot better than praying for your team to get the #1 pick in the draft every other year like some of these teams because this is going to be the year they turn it around!

[polamalubeast]

I have my issues with Mike Tomlin on how he handles some things, but we have been fortunate to at least be in contention of meaningful football every year. It's frustrating at times, but it could always be a lot, lot worse.

It's a hell of a lot better than praying for your team to get the #1 pick in the draft every other year like some of these teams because this is going to be the year they turn it around!

I hope that the steelers will never be bad like the Carolina Panthers this year....Worst record in the NFL but no first round pick!....It would be the worst feeling ever in sports!

[pczach]

I hope that the steelers will never be bad like the Carolina Panthers this year....Worst record in the NFL but no first round pick!....It would be the worst feeling ever in sports!

The worst thing bad teams can do is give up a bunch of draft picks for a single player when they have tons of holes in their roster. What good is having one stud player and then surrounding him with substandard talent and no way to get much better anytime soon because you traded away all your draft picks.

We always see these young quarterbacks come in with no talent around them. There is such a high probability of failure in that situation.

Draft picks are gold in the NFL. They are still the quickest and best way to turn a team around and build a roster if you can identify real NFL talent through the draft.

A bad team without quality draft picks is going to be a bad team for a long time.

[Steeler-in-west]

I will say this, it really is time for Tomlin (if he stays) and the Steelers to invest in some good offensive and defensive coordinators, line and QB coach probably included. If Tomlin wants to go beyond his “never had a losing season record” and truly accomplish something I think he has to do that. Can’t rely on talent alone supported by a mediocre staff, that as we’ve seen doesn’t get you very far. Even if one of the assistants ends up replacing him, they’ve got to go that route

[Voice of Reason]

I am neither ignoring nor rationalizing his playoff record. I am not bothered by them, you are. I accept them as the outcomes that they were and are.

So you are not bothered by Tomlin's poor record, but you apparently are very bothered by people like me who correctly criticize his poor record. Now I clearly see the real difference between us.

Your major concern is Mike Tomlin, not the Steelers. My major concern is the Steelers, not Mike Tomlin. You want what's best for Mike Tomlin, while I want what's best for the Steelers. Neither one of us is going to change our priorities, so I propose the following truce: Don't attack me for putting the Steelers ahead of Tomlin, and I won't attack you for putting Tomlin ahead of the Steelers.

[Voice of Reason]

I don't care how many Super Bowls the Pittsburgh Steelers win. I have watched them win 2 and lose 2 and it didn't change my life, so it isn't of much importance to me. Winning a Super Bowl is nice, but nothing more than that.

I'm not trying to be contentious here, but I have two honest questions for you:

1. If you feel that way about the Steelers, why are you spending so much time on a Steeler message board?

2. Does a guy like me criticizing a football coach on a message board change your life? If not, why are you so upset when this happens?

[Voice of Reason]

For the non losing season streak, it proves that Tomlin has a very high floor no matter what and this is one of the best in NFL history but he must absolutely improve his ceiling which is what matters the most at the end of the day and a good coaching staff around him would be good step in the right direction

That's the whole thing in a nutshell.

[Voice of Reason]

Tip your cap to future Hall of Famer Mike Tomlin.

what Larry Fitzgerald has to say:

https://steelersdepot.com/2024/01/th...omlin-slander/

Tomlin has now mastered the art of getting people to praise him for mediocre performance, and to get those same people to attack anyone who honestly and legitimately evaluates that performance.

How Tomlin actually does his job and how the Steelers actually perform under him no longer matter.

[Voice of Reason]

I have my issues with Mike Tomlin on how he handles some things, but we have been fortunate to at least be in contention of meaningful football every year.

But if we consistently lose enough of those "meaningful" football games that we never really win anything, were we ever really "in contention"?