Tonight’s Steelers–Ravens matchup carries major implications. The winner claims the AFC North and hosts a playoff game, while the loser misses the postseason entirely. Beyond the standings, attention has also shifted to the sidelines. John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin are the two longest-tenured head coaches in the NFL, and recent reports suggest a loss could trigger difficult conversations and organizational decisions for either franchise.
In the Steelers' case, regardless if they win tonight, their performance in the playoffs should hold the most weight.
Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game in nearly a decade and has rarely been competitive during that span. If the Steelers defeat the Ravens but suffer another early postseason exit in the same disappointing fashion as recent years, it may be time for both the organization and Tomlin to move on and pursue a fresh start elsewhere.
Anything short of a Pittsburgh Steelers playoff win is unforgivable for Mike Tomlin
Many insiders and reporters have framed Mike Tomlin’s future as simply a matter of whether he wants to continue coaching, implying that a firing is off the table. That perspective is misguided. After more than a decade without meaningful postseason success, Tomlin should not be the one dictating the team’s direction. Ownership needs to reclaim control and make a decision in the best interest of the franchise’s future.
For the first time in Tomlin’s tenure, there is significant noise surrounding his future in Pittsburgh. Recent reports suggest the Steelers are already exploring potential head coaching candidates, though nothing official has come from the team or Tomlin. Even so, these reports come from well-respected insiders, which lends them weight.
The Steelers must decide whether to pick up Tomlin’s 2027 option by March 1. If they choose not to, there’s a chance Tomlin may want to leave, and perhaps he should. The deciding factor, however, should be simple: if the team reaches the playoffs, it’s win or part ways. There’s no reason to delay an inevitable rebuild just to allow Tomlin to finish out his contract.
Fans and the city have grown weary of the same results year after year. Despite investing resources to overcome past playoff shortcomings, the team continues to fall short. The lack of postseason success has undoubtedly frustrated Art Rooney, and another “one-and-done” season would only confirm that the old approach is no longer effective. Real change is needed, and that starts with a change at head coach.