Mike Tomlin refutes claims Steelers are 'in limbo', pushes back on potential trade to another team

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the hottest franchises in the NFL, winning six Super Bowls in their history. But in recent years, this franchise has become used to being flamed in the postseason.

Mike Tomlin has been at the helm since 2006 and led the team to one Super Bowl title. Tomlin has yet to finish a regular season without a loss, but it's been eight years since he led his team to a playoff win.

The Steelers are one of the most consistent teams in the league, having only had three head coaches in the past 50 years. Nevertheless, the recent lack of success in the playoffs has raised concerns about whether Tomlin should stay.

But Tomlin shrugged Tuesday when asked if he felt like the Steelers were “stuck” after being overwhelmed by the Baltimore Ravens in Saturday's wild-card round.

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“Being stuck is a kind of helplessness,” said the NFL's longest-tenured coach. “And I don't know that I feel helpless.”

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Tomlin then acknowledged the disappointment everyone associated with the Steelers felt after the early playoff exit. “I'm definitely not in the mood to be optimistic or tout optimism,” he said. “I don't know if it's appropriate. It would be a shame not to do the work. And that's where we are.”

Mike Tomlin speaks to players during the second quarter of a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)

And while changes are definitely coming on the coaching staff, and perhaps on defense after the Steelers suffered a blowout loss during a five-game freefall in the standings, Tomlin is in his third year. It doesn't seem like he's going anywhere, even after his first season in the league.He signed a contract extension last June.

Tomlin believes he still “can” help Pittsburgh end its longest playoff championship drought since the “Immaculate Welcome” more than half a century ago.

But he enters his third offseason in four years with questions at quarterback. Skyler Thompson, who signed with the Steelers on Tuesday, is the only quarterback under contract for the 2025 season. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen — all players who played during the 2024 season — are scheduled to become free agents in March when the new league year begins.

#53 Kyle Van Noy of the Baltimore Ravens hits #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter of the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. Tackle Russell Wilson. (Albero/Getty Images)

Wilson and Fields have both expressed interest in returning, and Tomlin said the team is “open to considering them,” but could start 2025 with the fifth different Week 1 starter in as many seasons. The sex is also very realistic.

Although the offense made progress, especially in the middle of the season when Wilson won six of his seven starts, the Steelers averaged just 14.2 points during a second-half slump, hardly enough to advance beyond the divisional round. Ta.

Tomlin also acknowledged that he understands the growing frustration among the fan base during what can best be described as “Groundhog Day” for the team.

“I understand the frustration,” he said. “To be honest, I share that too.”

The 12th-winningest coach in NFL history, who will reach the top 10 in 2025 if the Steelers win at least eight games, doesn't think his message is any less effective. It's also because I believe it's only part of my job. . A big part of it comes down to planning, preparation and talent development, and he believes the team has evolved in those areas.

“I'm open to adaptation and change and always have been,” he said. “So this is not a new argument. It's not like I've been repeating the same thing (over and over again).”

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Tomlin remains eager to be part of the solution in Pittsburgh, saying he needs to save time if a team with recruiting opportunities might ask him if he wants to move on. Ta.

Asked by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette if he had any message for teams considering trading him, Tomlin said, “I don't have any message.” “Save your time.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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