After nearly two decades of stability, success, and sideline intensity, the Mike Tomlin era in Pittsburgh may be approaching a crossroads. The Steelers, once the model of consistency in the NFL, are now facing a harsh reality: since their last playoff win in the 2016 season, they’ve struggled to rise above the middle of the pack. And with a 6-6 record this year, their postseason hopes are hanging by a thread.
The frustration is starting to boil over. In a lopsided Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills - a 26-7 defeat at home - the discontent among fans was loud and clear. “Fire Tomlin” chants echoed through Acrisure Stadium in the fourth quarter, a rare public display of disapproval for a coach who’s long been one of the most respected figures in the league.
But firing Mike Tomlin? That’s not the Steelers’ style. This is a franchise that values continuity and loyalty, and Tomlin has earned every ounce of that with a résumé that includes a Super Bowl title, 10 playoff appearances, and - remarkably - zero losing seasons in 17 full years as head coach.
Still, if change is on the horizon in Pittsburgh, there’s another route worth considering: trading Mike Tomlin.
Yes, it’s unconventional. And yes, his contract includes a no-trade clause, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. But with Tomlin’s permission, it’s a move that could benefit both sides.
Let’s be clear: Tomlin isn’t a coach clinging to relevance. He’s still one of the most respected minds in the league, and there’s no indication he’s lost his edge.
But sometimes, even the best relationships run their course. A trade could give Tomlin a fresh start - and Pittsburgh a much-needed injection of draft capital.
There’s precedent for this kind of move. Jon Gruden was traded from the Raiders to the Buccaneers in 2002 for a haul that included two first-round picks and $8 million.
Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl that very season. More recently, Sean Payton was acquired by the Denver Broncos from the Saints in 2023.
Just two years later, he’s turned the Broncos into legitimate contenders, leading a 10-2 squad that looks poised for a deep playoff run.
Tomlin’s track record suggests he could do something similar. He’s built a winning culture in Pittsburgh from the ground up and maintained it through roster turnover, quarterback changes, and a shifting NFL landscape. Imagine what he could do with a fresh roster and a front office ready to build around his vision.
Teams like the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants - both sitting at the bottom of the standings with glaring roster holes - could be in the market for a proven leader. If the season ended today, the Titans would hold the No. 1 overall pick, and the Giants would have the No.
- Those are powerful trade chips.
For a coach like Tomlin, they might just be in play.
From Pittsburgh’s perspective, a deal like that could kick-start a full-scale rebuild. With 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers nearing the end of his career, the Steelers could use a top pick to draft his eventual successor.
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who leads the FBS with 32 touchdown passes, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson, tied for 14th with 25, are both intriguing options. Either could be the centerpiece of a new era in Pittsburgh.
For Tomlin, a new opportunity might reignite his career. For the Steelers, a trade could be the bold move they need to reset and reload. It’s not about assigning blame or rewriting history - it’s about recognizing when the time is right to turn the page.
Mike Tomlin has given everything to the Steelers organization. If this is the end of the line in Pittsburgh, he deserves to leave with his legacy intact - and perhaps, with a new team ready to chase a championship under his leadership.