The frustration in Pittsburgh is real - and Mike Tomlin isn’t shying away from it.
In the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills, chants of “Fire Tomlin” echoed through Acrisure Stadium. It was a rare public outcry from a fanbase that’s long prided itself on stability and tradition, especially when it comes to the head coach. But after another lopsided loss, the patience is clearly wearing thin.
Tomlin, now in his 19th season at the helm, addressed the chants head-on after the game.
“I share their frustration tonight,” he said. “We didn’t do enough. That’s just the reality of it.”
It’s a blunt admission from a coach known for his unwavering confidence and steady presence. But it also speaks to the state of the team right now - a team that started the season 4-1 but has since dropped five of its last seven to fall to 6-6. The Steelers haven’t looked like themselves in weeks, and the fans let them hear it.
The tension reached another level when “Renegade” - the Steelers’ signature fourth-quarter hype anthem - blasted through the stadium speakers. Instead of the usual surge of energy, the crowd responded with boos.
That moment said a lot. In Pittsburgh, “Renegade” is practically sacred.
If the fans are booing that, you know the frustration has hit a boiling point.
Since starting last season at 10-3, the Steelers have gone just 6-11 in their last 17 games. It’s a stretch that’s raised real questions about the team’s direction - especially on offense, where inconsistency has plagued them all year. And while Tomlin has never had a losing season - a remarkable feat in today’s NFL - the margin for preserving that streak is getting thinner by the week.
With five games left, Pittsburgh needs to win at least three to avoid its first losing season under Tomlin. That won’t be easy, especially with the next game coming on the road against the Ravens - a divisional showdown with major implications. The AFC North is still up for grabs, and this rivalry matchup could go a long way in determining who comes out on top.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
The Steelers have their backs against the wall - and they know it. Tomlin’s never been one to panic, but if there was ever a time for this team to rally, it’s now.