Times are tough for Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin... and even he can make sense of the chants for his firing during the team's Week 13 blowout loss to the Bills.
There is a feeling in the air of the city he has called home since 2007 that it might be time for a change for both parties. The franchise has been stale under his direction since 2017, and there seems to be no solution in sight. The longtime Pittsburgh coach could agree to mutually part ways this offseason, which would send shockwaves through the sports world.
If Tomlin becomes available, he could find a job quickly, whether in the NFL or elsewhere. He might choose to work as a broadcaster and take time away from coaching, or he could leave the NFL altogether.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger laid out an idea on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, that could make sense if Tomlin wants to depart the NFL.
“Go be Penn State’s head coach. You know what he would do at Penn State? He’d probably go win national championships. Because he’s a great recruiter.”
A lot would need to happen for Tomlin to end up at Penn State, especially this year. That college program is urgently searching for a new head coach, and time is running out.
Unless Tomlin shocks everyone and resigns from his post in Pittsburgh in the coming days, the timelines don't add up. With that said, it is a possibility down the line if certain scenarios unfold.
Mike Tomlin should be weighing every option after being on thin ice with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Whether or not he goes to Penn State, his future with the Steelers seems uncertain given the team’s recent struggles. Pittsburgh has experienced second-half collapses in three of its last four losses this season, surrendering halftime leads. In some instances, such as the game against the Bills, the team’s performance unravelled rapidly, resulting in a disastrous outcome.
Many of Tomlin’s former players have spoken out against retaining the Steelers’ head coach. It's never a good sign when those who played for him can see the writing on the wall. Roethlisberger floated the idea of Penn State as a destination where Tomlin could thrive at his next stop. Even his former quarterback was not afraid to admit what everyone in Pittsburgh has been thinking recently.
“Maybe it’s a clean house time, and I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin. Maybe it’s best for him, too. Maybe a fresh start for him is what’s best,” Roethlisberger admitted.
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For now, having Tomlin take over as Penn State’s next head coach doesn’t seem practical. He openly admitted that the college landscape would not be a fit for him. That could always change, especially as college programs begin hiring general managers to help lighten the head coach’s workload. Penn State would love to hire Tomlin, but it doesn't make sense during an NFL season.
Perhaps if whoever Penn State hires fails and Tomlin decides to take a year off from coaching, then it could be something to consider around this time next year. The Steelers and their longtime coach look headed for a split unless the season concludes with a miracle. Otherwise, Tomlin will continue to feature in nearly every head coaching rumor.