For the first time in 20 years, the Pittsburgh Steelers are entering unfamiliar territory: searching for a new head coach. Mike Tomlin, a fixture on the Steelers’ sideline since 2007, has stepped down, ending a remarkable 19-season run that included a Super Bowl title, countless playoff appearances, and a level of stability most franchises can only dream of.
But even with all the success, the writing had been on the wall. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since early 2017, and the offense-once a feared unit-has struggled to find its identity in recent years. Tomlin’s departure opens the door for a reset, and for a franchise that prides itself on consistency, this is a rare opportunity to pivot in a new direction.
One of the most prominent voices weighing in on what that direction should be? Former franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger, who spent 15 of his 18 NFL seasons playing under Tomlin, didn’t hold back on his “Footbahlin” podcast when asked what kind of coach the Steelers should target next.
“My first thought is I want an offensive-minded head coach,” Roethlisberger said. “That’s what I would do if I was the general manager.
I’m ready for an offensive guy. I wanna score more than six points in a postseason game.”
That last line hits hard-and it’s not just a soundbite. It’s a reflection of a larger frustration that’s been building among Steelers fans and former players alike.
Pittsburgh’s offense has been stuck in neutral for a while now, especially since Roethlisberger retired. This past postseason, the team failed to reach the end zone entirely.
For a franchise with a proud offensive tradition-think of the Killer B’s era with Ben, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell-that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Under Tomlin, the Steelers leaned heavily on defense. That identity served them well for much of his tenure, but in today’s NFL, where high-powered offenses dominate the playoff landscape, it’s fair to ask whether Pittsburgh needs to evolve.
Roethlisberger’s call for an offensive-minded head coach isn’t just about scoring points-it’s about shifting the team’s philosophy. The NFL has changed.
Quarterbacks and creative playcallers are driving success more than ever. Look around the league: the teams still playing deep into January are the ones lighting up the scoreboard, not just grinding out 17-13 wins.
That’s not to say defense doesn’t matter-it absolutely does-but balance is key. And right now, Pittsburgh’s offense needs help. Whether that means bringing in a young, innovative coordinator or a seasoned offensive mind with head coaching experience, the Steelers have a real chance to reimagine what their team looks like.
Replacing a coach like Tomlin won’t be easy. His leadership, consistency, and ability to navigate adversity were hallmarks of his tenure. But this moment also offers something rare for a franchise that’s only had three head coaches since 1969: a clean slate.
And if Roethlisberger’s voice carries any weight in the building-and let’s be honest, it probably does-it’s clear he wants that slate to be drawn up by someone who knows how to put points on the board.
The search is on. The standard remains the standard.
But the vision? That might be about to change.