Failure in football normally puts head coaches on the hot seat in the world of sports. Well, that is normally the case for most organizations, but not in Pittsburgh. Art Rooney II is cemented in the past with how his father and grandfather ran the club. His lack of changes during his tenure as the Steelers owner has become an unfixable problem.
One of his biggest black eyes since owning the team has been the lack of change with head coach Mike Tomlin. Maybe he should have been fired years ago, or maybe the best choice was to always bring him back every year. Who knows what the Steelers would look like without Tomlin at the helm, but they probably would have a better shot of winning a playoff game without him at the top.
Pittsburgh's long-time coach has not won a playoff game since January of 2017. Since then, he constantly scratches his way into the postseason just to get ousted in the first round. His failures have brought to light many faults in his style, which fans are growing tired of. Tensions are high in the city that the Steelers call home, and it might be the worst situation they have seen in years.
Tomlin is known for his famous "sayings" during countless interviews, but he has not been able to live up to his wordsmithing.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin fails to live by the words he preaches
When you dissect Tomlin over the years, one of his most famous attributes is the insane soundbites that he comes up with. Sometimes it is funny or motivational, but they can find ways to backfire on him. The 18-year Steelers coach has constantly mentioned how he "doesn't live in his fears". Well, that statement continues to haunt the ultra-conservative approach that he brings to his game plan.
Tomlin might not "live in his fears" regarding potentially getting fired, but he certainly does on a routine basis on the football field. His lack of aggressive play calling in big moments is one of his worst attributes. In fourth and short scenarios, Tomlin has found ways to punt the ball away or kick a long field goal, whereas an aggressive coach would go for it with a high success rate.
Living in fear and comfort can be similar issues that connect like an ugly spiderweb.
Another preaching point by Pittsburgh's head coach has been "Don't seek comfort". It is something he has said to his players on a routine basis. In theory, it makes sense that if you live in comfort then you are not pushing yourself to get better. If you don't put yourself in uncomfortable situations, then you have no room to grow. Sadly, the Steelers franchise has given Tomlin a comfortable situation.
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The growing contention against the head coach mostly stems from his neglect to change. Consistency is something fans are growing tired of, and since Tomlin fails to alter his coaching style and bring people on board to push him in certain regards, he shows that he is comfortable. He is not afraid of losing his job, so there is no reason for Tomlin or the Steelers to adapt.
It might be true that Tomlin would be scooped up by another team within seconds of being let go by Pittsburgh, but the Steelers fail to wake up to the snake oil he is selling. He will be back, and nothing will change because Tomlin doesn't follow the very words he lives by. Yes, Pittsburgh has a good head coach, but his unwillingness to grow and get away from his comforts continues to hold this team hostage.