As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for a critical AFC North clash with the Baltimore Ravens, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sitting in the thick of the playoff hunt, every snap matters. But beyond the immediate urgency of the postseason push, a larger question has started to bubble up around the franchise: Is Mike Tomlin’s job truly safe?
On the surface, it might seem like a fair question. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since January 15, 2017 - a stretch that doesn’t sit well with a fanbase used to postseason success. And in a league where patience is often in short supply, a playoff drought of nearly a decade can make even the most respected head coaches look vulnerable.
But if you’re looking for signs that Tomlin’s seat is heating up, don’t expect to find them inside the Steelers’ front office. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, who recently spoke with team owner Art Rooney, the organization remains firmly behind Tomlin. Rooney emphasized a core philosophy that’s been part of Pittsburgh’s DNA for decades: if you believe in the coach and he hasn’t lost the locker room, there’s no reason to make a change.
That’s not just lip service. The Steelers have long been the gold standard for coaching stability in the NFL.
Since 1969, they’ve had just three head coaches: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and now Tomlin. That kind of continuity is unheard of in today’s NFL, where hot seats seem to ignite faster than ever.
Tomlin, who took over in 2007, has yet to post a losing season - a remarkable feat in a league built on parity. Even in years when the offense sputtered or the defense struggled to find its footing, Tomlin has kept the team competitive. That consistency is a big reason why the organization continues to back him, even as outside voices - including some former players - suggest it might be time for a new direction.
Still, the pressure is real. The Steelers are walking a fine line right now.
With five games left, they’ll need to go at least 3-2 to avoid Tomlin’s first losing season. That’s not just about preserving a streak - it’s about keeping the team in the playoff conversation and avoiding the kind of collapse that could shift the internal calculus.
It’s worth noting that frustration among fans is growing louder. The lack of postseason success in recent years has become a sticking point, especially for a franchise with six Super Bowl titles and a proud tradition of winning when it matters most. But inside the building, the belief in Tomlin appears to be unwavering.
For now, the Steelers’ focus is squarely on the field. The Ravens represent both a fierce rival and a major obstacle in the playoff race. A win could go a long way toward silencing the noise and reinforcing the idea that, despite the bumps in the road, this team - and this coach - still belong in the postseason picture.
Tomlin’s future doesn’t hinge on one game, but the next few weeks will tell us a lot. Not just about where the Steelers are headed in 2025, but about how much longer this rare era of coaching continuity will continue in Pittsburgh.