The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a bold move this week by rejecting a trade conversation that would have sent head coach Mike Tomlin to the Chicago Bears. The Bears called to see if Omar Khan's office was willing to negotiate. The response: casual decline. This decision speaks volumes about how much the organization values Tomlin and the immediate future.
Despite a turbulent 2024 season that saw the Steelers lose five consecutive games and miss out on valuable playoff seating, the front office has opted to keep their head coach, focusing on long-term stability rather than an impulsive decision for change.
The Bears recently called the Steelers to see if they would be allowed to talk to and potentially try to trade for longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, only to have Pittsburgh rebuff their inquiry, league sources told ESPN.https://t.co/MviaUsBrjG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2025
Pittsburgh fans, long known for their passionate support, have been vocal about their frustration with Tomlin’s inability to take the team deep into the postseason in recent years. The Steelers have failed to advance deep into the playoffs the last eight seasons under his reign, leading some to question whether a change is necessary.
READ MORE: Mike Tomlin unveils brutally honest insight on Steelers' immediate future
A no trade claus and a confident front office believe there's more work to be done.
Mike Tomlin is the best coach available for the Steelers' immediate future
While it’s true that Tomlin’s 8-11 playoff record is a blemish on his otherwise impressive resume, it’s important to consider the context. The Steelers compete each year without a franchise quarterback. The offense hiccups are self-inflicting which provides little room for error.
Still, Tomlin's career record, especially considering the roster changes and challenges faced by the Steelers over the years, is one of the best in the NFL.
The fact that the Steelers decided to keep Tomlin after the trade proposal shows confidence in his ability to turn things around. The Pittsburgh community is frustrated but must recognize that stability in leadership is crucial for any successful franchise. Firing Tomlin would not only be a gamble but would risk bringing in an unproven coach who may not be able to replicate the success Tomlin has achieved.
Tomlin’s ability to navigate the ups and downs while continuing to foster competition is invaluable. The team has seen improvements in key areas year after year, and his leadership has kept the Steelers in contention even during down years. Replacing Tomlin with an untested coach could derail progress.
The Steelers’ decision to retain Mike Tomlin is the right one. Despite his playoff struggles, Tomlin has proven he is one of the best head coaches in the league. Pittsburgh is lucky to have him, and as a fan, I am ecstatic to give him another chance to prove that his leadership can bring the Steelers back to championship contention.
The results may not come overnight, but Tomlin deserves the time to finish what he started. Mike Tomlin's thoughts to franchises seeking his severvices are simple: "Save your time."