As the 2023 NFL season nears its stretch run, the Steelers’ recent slump has led to chatter regarding longtime coach Mike Tomlin becoming a candidate for the dreaded hot seat.
Pittsburgh’s 21–18 prime-time loss to the lowly Patriots (2–10) on Thursday added to the mounting questions, as the Steelers (7–6) lost their fourth game in seven weeks, including two straight to sub-.500 teams. Despite the surging criticism, Tomlin still appears to be in Pittsburgh’s future plans in the eyes of one NFL insider.
Appearing on Friday’s episode of The Rich Eisen Show, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero expressed his strong disbelief in the idea of Pittsburgh moving on from Tomlin, citing his level of influence and how “historically patient” team brass has been as key factors.
“Put it this way, Rich: I would be shocked if the Steelers fired Mike Tomlin,” Pelissero said. “I would certainly be very surprised if they would even consider a trade of Mike Tomlin. And I’m not sure that there’s another job out there that Mike Tomlin would look at, absent the money factor.”
Pelissero further emphasized the current state of Tomlin’s job security by noting the “tremendous amount of power” he has within the organization “in terms of running the entire football operation.”
💻 @TomPelissero
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) December 8, 2023
Could Mike Tomlin really be on the hot seat after losing at home in back-to-back weeks to 2-10 teams? That's absurd, right?#NFL #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/q2cBOsPdOf
Pelissero’s comments may be enough to quell the rumors for the time being, but the situation figures to remain one to keep an eye on should Pittsburgh’s skid continue.
Tomlin will also have the added pressure of preserving his streak of 16 consecutive seasons finishing with a .500 record or better. The Steelers need to go 2-2 the rest of the way to keep that historic run alive, which could be tough considering the Colts, Bengals, Seahawks and Ravens await Pittsburgh to close out the season.
