NFL Exec on Mike Tomlin on Heat-Seat Rumors If Steelers Lose: ‘I’ve Heard Rumblings’

No NFL organization has been more averse to firing a head coach than the Pittsburgh Steelers, but ownership could be amenable to a change this offseason.

The Athletic’s Mike Sando wrote Monday how the departures of Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick from their respective teams should perhaps lead to a reassessment of Mike Tomlin’s job security in Pittsburgh.

In addition, Sando cited an NFL executive who said they “heard rumblings” about the Steelers if they make a quick exit in the AFC Wild Card Round.

“I don’t know what it is. It’s hard to be at the same place for 10 years,” the exec said. “Belichick, if you break up his time with the Patriots, it is multiple 10-year runs. He basically reinvented everything after 10 years, became an offense-oriented team. I have no idea about Carroll or Tomlin, but sometimes things become stale and an organization needs a new voice.”

The Steelers have yet to finish with a losing record since Tomlin was hired as head coach in 2007, and they made the playoffs for the third time in four years. That kind of consistency is envied by plenty of rivals.

However, Pittsburgh is also looking to earn its first postseason win since 2016. At a certain point, winning nine or 10 games and simply qualifying for the playoffs may not be enough when we’re talking about a franchise with six Super Bowl titles.

On Sunday, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio also reported Tomlin “has not yet decided to return.” The 51-year-old “loves the team” and “loves coaching” but could step back from the job for now.

Much like with Carroll getting unceremoniously jettisoned by the Seattle Seahawks after 14 years, it will initially come as a shock should Tomlin and the Steelers part ways. When Tomlin has been with the Steelers for 17 seasons, nobody should be too surprised, though, if either side ultimately determines his tenure has run its course.