Despite remarkably making the playoffs and playing competitive against the Buffalo Bills, the Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 season has officially come to an end.
It’s been quite a roller-coaster season in the Steel City, filled with much more lows than highs, despite their postseason berth.
Questions are swirling surrounding the future of head coach Mike Tomlin.
“Mike, you have a year left on your contract…”
Mike Tomlin: 💨 ✌🏽 pic.twitter.com/ouAncRXTzy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 16, 2024
No one values patience and stability more than the Steelers. It goes without saying that if Tomlin wants to remain head coach, he will … But the question is does he???
There are rumblings that Tomlin might be a little burnt out and will possibly look to step down. Whether that means taking a year off like Sean Payton did to recharge his battery or immediately pursuing another job remains to be seen.
Tomlin reportedly assured the team that he plans to remain as head coach – but we’ve seen plenty of coaches say one thing only to do another in the past…
In a team meeting today, Mike Tomlin told #Steelers players the speculation about him stepping away is unfounded and he plans on coaching the team in 2024, sources say.
Tomlin, who is entering the final year of his contract, is expected to address the media later this week. pic.twitter.com/GwBax5Dei4
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 16, 2024
As far as the team goes, the Steelers were a little dysfunctional this season.
They have major questions at quarterback … They have to figure out what they’re going to do with starter Kenny Pickett.
Backup Mason Rudolph did an admirable job filling in for Pickett, but he clearly isn’t a long-term answer for the Steelers – or anyone else for that matter.
The question is can Pickett be a franchise quarterback in the league???
I did not see Kenny Pickett in either of the two locker room availabilities today. A bit unusual for a captain not to speak with reporters on locker clean out day. TJ Watt and Cam Heyward did interviews today. Next opportunity for local reporters to speak with Pickett likely OTAs
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) January 16, 2024
Between the uncertainties at quarterback and the constant headaches caused by diva receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, it’s clear a whole lot needs to be fix in Pittsburgh.
George Pickens run blocking effort 🥶. Should’ve been a TD. pic.twitter.com/STZjKAD53i
— TJ Goebig (@GoebigTj) December 16, 2023
Following Monday’s loss to Buffalo, running back Najee Harris spoke candidly about what the Steelers need to do going forward.
“If we want to elevate and get where we are and achieve those goals that we want, we have to change some in-house stuff.” Harris said.
“It’s just the rules that are in the building … We got to be more disciplined. We got to be more committed. I’m not saying that we’re not, but just coming from a place that has structure and just seeing we probably could get help in these areas.”
“It might make a change. I think that that’s something we could help. I’m not saying nothing about coaches or anything like that. I’m just saying more of just in-house rules … I’m just a player, but the guys in that building know what I’m talking about,” he added.
Najee Harris says #Steelers need In house rules changes, more discipline pic.twitter.com/wIRrm0Cr98
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) January 16, 2024
While Harris avoided directly criticizing the coaching staff, he emphasized that changes at the in-house level were crucial for improvement.
Discipline has been an issue for the Steelers for years now – that falls heavily on Tomlin and the coaching staff.
YIKES… #Steelers RB Jaylen Warren takes shots at George Pickens for not blocking him Saturday night on the viral play:
“If I was in that position, I would’ve blocked for him.”
Pittsburgh locker room seems like a mess right now.
(Via @brgridiron) pic.twitter.com/s8YKEunSeZ
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 21, 2023
It’s not all doom and gloom in Pittsburgh however … Many franchises would love to be in their position.
However, for them to truly get back to their old identity, things need to change.
Forever One of the greatest motivators
This is a speech Mike Tomlin made to his players last June #steelers
🎥YT/Steelers pic.twitter.com/PDHMi7jBiT
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) January 16, 2024
What are your thoughts on Harris’ comments?
Do you think Tomlin will end up staying in Pittsburgh? … How much blame do you put on him for the dysfunction and lack-of-effort issues they’ve had?
Is Pickett the long-term answer at quarterback?
What do they need to do this offseason to get back to being an elite franchise???