For the first time, “Fire Tomlin” chants rang through Acrisure Stadium during yet another embarrassing primetime loss this past week, a 26–7 beating by the Buffalo Bills. It felt like the final straw for Pittsburgh Steelers fans who have grown tired of a decade marked by mediocrity. Honestly, I am shocked it took this long for fans to hit their breaking point, but collectively, Steelers Nation seems done with Mike Tomlin, and rightfully so. This moment has been building for years.
Now the spotlight shifts to Art Rooney II. He has avoided tough conversations for far too long, clinging to the legacy built by his father and grandfather while overseeing an organization that no longer resembles the gold standard they created. One of the greatest franchises in sports is crumbling on his watch because he has allowed this situation to drag on.
In no other league would a head coach go a full decade without postseason success and still have complete control over when he leaves. Only in Pittsburgh, because Rooney II refuses to do what is best for the organization.
The hard truth is Mike Tomlin is not getting fired. And that is a bitter pill for fans to swallow. But Sunday was a step in the right direction, as the frustration finally shifted toward ownership. Now it is on Steelers fans to turn up the pressure and show Rooney II just how out of touch he has become, and that if he does not have a very tough conversation, he risks losing a fanbase that once felt unshakeable.
Steelers fans must make their voices heard and hope it’s finally loud enough for an owner who refuses to listen
Somehow, Mike Tomlin has reached a point where he is treated as unfireable, even after nearly a decade without a playoff win, repeated late-season collapses, a defense that never lives up to its price tag, and one incompetent offensive staff after another. In a results-oriented league, it seems the rules do not apply to Mike Tomlin.
The only way he stops being the head coach is if he decides to walk away on his own terms or if Art Rooney II finally gathers the courage to have the mutually parting ways conversation. A true firing is not in the cards. But Steelers fans can still apply pressure, push Rooney into reality, and hope he finally admits that both sides are better off going their separate ways.
Sunday felt like the boiling point that had been building for years. And with two home games left, the chants need to grow louder and more consistent. Do not fall for the annual “sneak into the playoffs” act. We have seen how this plays out time after time.
If fans really want to send a message, the most powerful move is simple: stop showing up. Empty seats hurt ownership where it matters most. The Steelers are not among the NFL’s richest owners, and losing ticket revenue would send a message stronger than any chant. Realistically, that probably will not happen during a playoff push. But if Tomlin returns next season, attendance very well could take a real hit.
And consider this: the NFL Draft is coming to Pittsburgh in 2026, something Art Rooney II takes enormous pride in. What happens if the “Fire Tomlin” chants echo through a national event with hundreds of thousands of Steelers and NFL fans in attendance?
That would bruise an ego fast. That would force ownership to confront what they have tried to ignore. And that might finally make them realize the fanbase has had enough and is willing to make a statement on a weekend meant to showcase the city of Pittsburgh.