Pittsburgh Steelers: How making the postseason determines Mike Tomlin’s future

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves on the verge of missing the 2018 NFL Playoffs, which puts complications on Mike Tomlin’s future.

There is no denying that Mike Tomlin is on the hot seat and the future of his job could be determined by the team making or missing the playoffs in 2018. The Steelers have been so up and down all season, from the tie to start the year, to the six-game winning streak. Now it seems the struggling is back as losing the last three contests proves. So how does this postseason determine Tomlin’s future? I have 3 options for you.

Option 1: Make the playoffs

If the Steelers win the conference title or get in the wild card then I think he keeps his job. This should keep the naysayers and ex-players happy enough for now. The end result may not be a Super Bowl win buy at least the postseason was achieved again. One more year of winning ways and a chance at that sixth Lombardi trophy.

Option 2: Miss the playoff, scenario 1

If the playoffs do not come to pass then I think that Tomlin should or could get fired. He hasn’t missed the playoffs since 2013 and only 3 times in his tenure as HC. This one gets him canned. The Offensive and Defensive coordinators get the ax too.

Option 2: Miss the playoffs, scenario 2

If the Steelers don’t make the postseason I think they hold for now on Tomlin. My definition of hold is bringing in Big Ben and ask him what are his future plans? In the short term, their chance of winning is closely tied together. What would he do, stay or retire?

I don’t think he would continue his career if there was a new head coach or would he? I think this team has a window for Super Bowl contention and Ben is that lynchpin. He has to be included in the decision. This is the dilemma in firing Tomlin. It will be time to move on but what will the franchise QB do?

This is a vicarious situation and I hope that it works out with the Steelers winning another Super Bowl trophy. I know the Steelers can beat the Patriots or the Saints and definitely beat the Bengals. They really need to get it together to finish out this season strong or this could be the last season with Tomlin as the head coach. Big Ben is reaching the end of his career also but playing a few more years is the plan for now.

Even though Tomlin is heavily scrutinized I think that he is a good coach and probably the best coach right now for the Steelers postseason and Super Bowl chances.