Steelers Rumors: More incentive to believe Mike Tomlin could mutually part ways

Mike Tomlin is in his 17th year as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. At this point, the long-term HC has already outlasted Hall of Famer Bill Cowher by two years, and it could prove to be longer. Tomlin is under contract through the 2024 season, but as the Steelers struggled, many wondered whether Tomlin would even see the final year of his deal.

Entering the season, there wasn't a chance that Tomlin was going anywhere unless it was on his own terms. Because of his Super Bowl victory and sixteen-year span without a losing record, the Rooney's would be sure to let Tomlin dictate his own terms. However, as Pittsburgh's colossal slide continues, it's looking increasingly likely that Tomlin may not be with the Steelers beyond the 2023 season.

Tomlin's team has now lost three straight games to the Cardinals, Patriots, and Colts, respectively. Prior to facing these opponents, these three teams had a combined record of 11-26. Remarkably, the Steelers trailed by at least 18 points at some point in time against all three teams.

As their struggles continue, rumors continue to swirl that Mike Tomlin may not return with the team in 2023. This started with whispers from Jay Glazer and Steelers Insider, Ray Fitappaldo last week. Now another media personality is jumping on this train.

NFL personality Dave Dameshek also acknowledged that maybe Rich Eison isn't 'aimlessly admonishing Steelers fans' when he wonders if Tomlin has fatigue with Western Pennsylvania. Damshek noted that there is a likely job opening in Ann Arbor that could have Tomlin's name on it

The 'Tomlin fatigue' talk from Rich Eisen came just days before the Steelers allowed 30 unanswered points in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15. Now he posed the question on The Rich Eisen Show of whether or not it's time for Tomlin and the Stelers to part ways While there are no new tangible reports here, we would have to assume that the likelihood of the Pittsburgh Steelers parting ways with Tomlin increased after a third straight ugly loss.

Mike Tomlin could silence doubters if his team wins three straight games to close out the season. However, with the way they have looked on both sides of the football recently, that doesn't seem likely. If this team continues to fall apart down the stretch, that could very well be the motivation Art Rooney II needs to mutually part ways with their long-time head coach.

If the Steelers miss the postseason this year, this will mark the seventh straight season without so much as a single playoff win -- longer than Belichick's drought (whom the Patriots are believed to be moving on from in 2024).