My Steelers Truths (Admittedly with some hindsight)

[SteelerSask2]

1. Tomlin: Its not that he can't lead and rally the team. It's that he doesn't possess the x and o on the offensive side of the ball. And defensive guys are a dime a dozen. So thanks but see ya. Zero point in him being a part of what needs to be done here.
2. Rogers: honestly for what they wanted to do which is win 9 -10 games make playoffs you couldn't possibly have got more out of him. Bringing him back is beyond pointless. No chance you can get anymore out of him next year.
3. George Pickens: ok I will admit this one. Big mistake. Total idiot. But if you were going to pursue the all in strategy that you did you couldn't trade him. And if you did. Your first round pick certainly isn't a bust but you needed a number two in the draft. He would have had more impact with the strategy they went with then Dline.
Watt: Cowher was very good at not paying for what you already got. Im sure he will provide some excitement next two years but best days behind him.
There are building blocks: Porter, Harmon, Black, Oline, Warren, Edges, but yeah its a too the boards rebuild and no way Tomlin should be a part of that.
Ill be around. Probably lots. But see you in spring and for God's sake its time for a new coach.
Sask

 

[slashsteel]

1. Tomlin: Its not that he can't lead and rally the team. It's that he doesn't possess the x and o on the offensive side of the ball. And defensive guys are a dime a dozen. So thanks but see ya. Zero point in him being a part of what needs to be done here.
2. Rogers: honestly for what they wanted to do which is win 9 -10 games make playoffs you couldn't possibly have got more out of him. Bringing him back is beyond pointless. No chance you can get anymore out of him next year.
3. George Pickens: ok I will admit this one. Big mistake. Total idiot. But if you were going to pursue the all in strategy that you did you couldn't trade him. And if you did. Your first round pick certainly isn't a bust but you needed a number two in the draft. He would have had more impact with the strategy they went with then Dline.
Watt: Cowher was very good at not paying for what you already got. Im sure he will provide some excitement next two years but best days behind him.
There are building blocks: Porter, Harmon, Black, Oline, Warren, Edges, but yeah its a to the boards rebuild and no way Tomlin should be a part of that.
Ill be around. Probably lots. But see you in spring and for God's sake its time for a new coach.

I think they can still do something special with that pick and their extras.

But yeah you want the direction to be altered with a new HC.

 

[SteelerSask2]

I think with their large amount of picks in the draft Id go new coach........put in good quality players in the first three rounds. Sink or swim with Will Howard. If you sink draft a Q in 2027. 2026 there will be nothing left after Raiders Jets take.

 

[Aussie_Steeler]

I think with their large amount of picks in the draft Id go new coach........put in good quality players in the first three rounds. Sink or swim with Will Howard. If you sink draft a Q in 2027. 2026 there will be nothing left after Raiders Jets take.

I do agree I'd like to see them going with Will Howard for 2026, but I'm not sure 2027 will provide a QB solution if he doesn't work out because:

1. Who knows how many potential starting QBs there will be in the 2027 draft? This time last year everyone thought the 2025 QB crop was going to contain more depth and quality than they do now;
2. There may be more competition for QBs in 2027, as quite a few teams have QBs going into their second and third year as starters who haven't yet proven they are the future, Miami will be better placed to extricate themselves from Tua's contract and Rams will at some point go after a replacment for Stafford.

 

[SteelerSask2]

How many quality QBs there really is.......impossible to know. How many you would start next year.......that's a known. And no way Steelers are getting one cause its one or two at most.

 

[Aussie_Steeler]

How many quality QBs there really is.......impossible to know. How many you would start next year.......that's a known. And no way Steelers are getting one cause its one or two at most.

If you are replying to my comment, I meant the 2027 draft which you suggested would be the one for the Steelers to target. I prefaced my comments with "I'm not sure 2027 will provide a QB solution if he doesn't work out because:"

 

[steel dino]

1. Not a good year to be looking for a new head coach in the NFL. If Tomlin is fired or leaves, I believe that makes seven or eight openings this year. Too much competition to find the right guy unless we overpay for for him and I do not see that happening.

2. Agreed Rodgers did exactly what they wanted him to do. Unfortunately time waits for no man, especially in today’s NFL. You can’t have a quarterback whose feet are implanted in cement and expect to succeed on offense. Need to go with a younger more mobile quarterback next season.

3. I was very disappointed in the play of our offensive line last night, not just for that game, but for the future. I truly felt we had a bright spot in that critical offensive position And after last night, I’m not so sure of that. But as mentioned in number two, you need a mobile athletic type QB in today’s NFL. Can’t expect an offensive line to keep these large men that are very fast and agile from applying pressure.

4. Personnel across the board. We have some gaping, and I mean wide open opportunities to improve several positions on offense and defense. We had starters that were borderline USFL players on that team this year on both sides of the ball. If you be honest with yourself, it’s truly amazing we won 10 games this year.

Lastly, it pains me to say it, but we made a huge mistake with that long-term contract for number 90. His decline has been fast and extremely obvious. However I do believe 97 has one or two more good years left. The problem with that statement is, he continues to be the best defensive line player the team has.

Summary, meet with Tomlin discuss his future and what he is considering. If he decides he’d like to stay on, make it clear that this is his last season as the head coach, and that he needs to make serious changes with personnel, coaching, and philosophy, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
I would also keep him on because I feel he would be a valuable asset to assist and help create a succession plan for the new head coach, that would possibly involve one of their new coordinator hires as his replacement as the head coach in 2027.

There is a lot of work to do obviously with this organization, and I just feel at this moment in time to totally wipe the slate clean and take the nuclear option, especially with a huge draft coming up in Pittsburgh with more draft picks that they’ve had in maybe forever.

This is a very critical moment for this organization, and they need to think it through cautiously and deliberately to strategically create a plan and execute for 2027.
If they burn it down, it could take forever to move the team to a legit contender to play for a championship game again, and possibly risk becoming a perennial doormat in the AFC north.

That’s how I feel about this organization at this current time.

 

[Djfan]

1. Not a good year to be looking for a new head coach in the NFL. If Tomlin is fired or leaves, I believe that makes seven or eight openings this year. Too much competition to find the right guy unless we overpay for for him and I do not see that happening.

2. Agreed Rodgers did exactly what they wanted him to do. Unfortunately time waits for no man, especially in today’s NFL. You can’t have a quarterback whose feet are implanted in cement and expect to succeed on offense. Need to go with a younger more mobile quarterback next season.

3. I was very disappointed in the play of our offensive line last night, not just for that game, but for the future. I truly felt we had a bright spot in that critical offensive position And after last night, I’m not so sure of that. But as mentioned in number two, you need a mobile athletic type QB in today’s NFL. Can’t expect an offensive line to keep these large men that are very fast and agile from applying pressure.

4. Personnel across the board. We have some gaping, and I mean wide open opportunities to improve several positions on offense and defense. We had starters that were borderline USFL players on that team this year on both sides of the ball. If you be honest with yourself, it’s truly amazing we won 10 games this year.

Lastly, it pains me to say it, but we made a huge mistake with that long-term contract for number 90. His decline has been fast and extremely obvious. However I do believe 97 has one or two more good years left. The problem with that statement is, he continues to be the best defensive line player the team has.

Summary, meet with Tomlin discuss his future and what he is considering. If he decides he’d like to stay on, make it clear that this is his last season as the head coach, and that he needs to make serious changes with personnel, coaching, and philosophy, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
I would also keep him on because I feel he would be a valuable asset to assist and help create a succession plan for the new head coach, that would possibly involve one of their new coordinator hires as his replacement as the head coach in 2027.

There is a lot of work to do obviously with this organization, and I just feel at this moment in time to totally wipe the slate clean and take the nuclear option, especially with a huge draft coming up in Pittsburgh with more draft picks that they’ve had in maybe forever.

This is a very critical moment for this organization, and they need to think it through cautiously and deliberately to strategically create a plan and execute for 2027.
If they burn it down, it could take forever to move the team to a legit contender to play for a championship game again, and possibly risk becoming a perennial doormat in the AFC north.

That’s how I feel about this organization at this current time.

Some good points. My take is that it is too late to stop the rotting, and we need to burn it down and start from scratch. There are too many issues to try and put bandaids on it while trying to rebuild.

 

[SteelerSask2]

If you are replying to my comment, I meant the 2027 draft which you suggested would be the one for the Steelers to target. I prefaced my comments with "I'm not sure 2027 will provide a QB solution if he doesn't work out because:"

I think my point is this. Is there a QB not named Mendoza that someone could say is better then Will Howard. Now, I know what you are saying that the 2027 draft class might not be any better. What I'm saying is if Howard is not the guy at least you will be in that top 10 territory where you can get a dude. If you are lower then 15........Howard probably actually is your guy.

 

[Confluence]

Some good points. My take is that it is too late to stop the rotting, and we need to burn it down and start from scratch. There are too many issues to try and put bandaids on it while trying to rebuild.

Those, like DJ, that have been saying this for a decade have been correct.

No playoff success.
No coaching tree.
No QB.
Significant misallocation of cap to overpaid D players past their prime.
Players routinely out of natural position for years.
Dismal play calling.
Reliance on D turnovers for success.
Terrible 4Q performances by tired D
Horrific, historically bad record against bad teams
Sketchy draft success at best, always trying to fix the previous miss.
Clear over-drafting of Edmunds, Harris, Pickett.
No plan for WR2 for two consecutive seasons
Mishandling of Pickens
Worse, poor decision making in DK signing and subsequent events.

off the top of my head, early in the morning after a 7th consecutive Blowout Playoff Loss.

 

[slashsteel]

1. Not a good year to be looking for a new head coach in the NFL. If Tomlin is fired or leaves, I believe that makes seven or eight openings this year. Too much competition to find the right guy unless we overpay for for him and I do not see that happening.

2. Agreed Rodgers did exactly what they wanted him to do. Unfortunately time waits for no man, especially in today’s NFL. You can’t have a quarterback whose feet are implanted in cement and expect to succeed on offense. Need to go with a younger more mobile quarterback next season.

3. I was very disappointed in the play of our offensive line last night, not just for that game, but for the future. I truly felt we had a bright spot in that critical offensive position And after last night, I’m not so sure of that. But as mentioned in number two, you need a mobile athletic type QB in today’s NFL. Can’t expect an offensive line to keep these large men that are very fast and agile from applying pressure.

4. Personnel across the board. We have some gaping, and I mean wide open opportunities to improve several positions on offense and defense. We had starters that were borderline USFL players on that team this year on both sides of the ball. If you be honest with yourself, it’s truly amazing we won 10 games this year.

Lastly, it pains me to say it, but we made a huge mistake with that long-term contract for number 90. His decline has been fast and extremely obvious. However I do believe 97 has one or two more good years left. The problem with that statement is, he continues to be the best defensive line player the team has.

Summary, meet with Tomlin discuss his future and what he is considering. If he decides he’d like to stay on, make it clear that this is his last season as the head coach, and that he needs to make serious changes with personnel, coaching, and philosophy, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
I would also keep him on because I feel he would be a valuable asset to assist and help create a succession plan for the new head coach, that would possibly involve one of their new coordinator hires as his replacement as the head coach in 2027.

There is a lot of work to do obviously with this organization, and I just feel at this moment in time to totally wipe the slate clean and take the nuclear option, especially with a huge draft coming up in Pittsburgh with more draft picks that they’ve had in maybe forever.

This is a very critical moment for this organization, and they need to think it through cautiously and deliberately to strategically create a plan and execute for 2027.
If they burn it down, it could take forever to move the team to a legit contender to play for a championship game again, and possibly risk becoming a perennial doormat in the AFC north.

That’s how I feel about this organization at this current time.

I strongly disagree. There is some very attractive options out there with none of those options unavailable.

Steelers have a winning franchise with a lot of draft picks and an ownership that will let a HC hang around ( job security) .

With all those draft picks and the Steelers not afraid to sign free agents I would debate that this is the perfect time to move on and a very attractive job for those seeking one.

 

[BLITZ]

Trade TJ to the highest bidder. Maybe a 2nd at this point?
Would someone give up multiple picks for Tomlin? Someone would. Not sure who.
We have to have a losing season at some point. Finishing middle of the road gets you middle of the road results

 

[slashsteel]

Trade TJ to the highest bidder. Maybe a 2nd at this point?
Would someone give up multiple picks for Tomlin? Someone would. Not sure who.
We have to have a losing season at some point. Finishing middle of the road gets you middle of the road results

I wouldn’t need any picks for Mike whatever they are willing to give. Just get the **** out of our city.

 

[Punxsutawney]

Trade TJ to the highest bidder. Maybe a 2nd at this point?
Would someone give up multiple picks for Tomlin? Someone would. Not sure who.
We have to have a losing season at some point. Finishing middle of the road gets you middle of the road results

Noone is trading a 2nd for Watt at this point in his career. Not with that salary.

The Steelers will probably have him for a couple more years, regardless of how much more his play diminishes.

They have to own that contract for awhile yet.

 

[madinsomniac]

1. Not a good year to be looking for a new head coach in the NFL. If Tomlin is fired or leaves, I believe that makes seven or eight openings this year. Too much competition to find the right guy unless we overpay for for him and I do not see that happening.

2. Agreed Rodgers did exactly what they wanted him to do. Unfortunately time waits for no man, especially in today’s NFL. You can’t have a quarterback whose feet are implanted in cement and expect to succeed on offense. Need to go with a younger more mobile quarterback next season.

3. I was very disappointed in the play of our offensive line last night, not just for that game, but for the future. I truly felt we had a bright spot in that critical offensive position And after last night, I’m not so sure of that. But as mentioned in number two, you need a mobile athletic type QB in today’s NFL. Can’t expect an offensive line to keep these large men that are very fast and agile from applying pressure.

4. Personnel across the board. We have some gaping, and I mean wide open opportunities to improve several positions on offense and defense. We had starters that were borderline USFL players on that team this year on both sides of the ball. If you be honest with yourself, it’s truly amazing we won 10 games this year.

Lastly, it pains me to say it, but we made a huge mistake with that long-term contract for number 90. His decline has been fast and extremely obvious. However I do believe 97 has one or two more good years left. The problem with that statement is, he continues to be the best defensive line player the team has.

Summary, meet with Tomlin discuss his future and what he is considering. If he decides he’d like to stay on, make it clear that this is his last season as the head coach, and that he needs to make serious changes with personnel, coaching, and philosophy, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
I would also keep him on because I feel he would be a valuable asset to assist and help create a succession plan for the new head coach, that would possibly involve one of their new coordinator hires as his replacement as the head coach in 2027.

There is a lot of work to do obviously with this organization, and I just feel at this moment in time to totally wipe the slate clean and take the nuclear option, especially with a huge draft coming up in Pittsburgh with more draft picks that they’ve had in maybe forever.

This is a very critical moment for this organization, and they need to think it through cautiously and deliberately to strategically create a plan and execute for 2027.
If they burn it down, it could take forever to move the team to a legit contender to play for a championship game again, and possibly risk becoming a perennial doormat in the AFC north.

That’s how I feel about this organization at this current time.

What are you talking about? There are a ton of options at head coach and any coach will take the Steelers job over any other job... this is a great year to cut him lose because you will have both successful retreads and several good coordinators to pick from... and there still are 3 or 4 coaches that could come open...

 

[DesertSteel]

1. Not a good year to be looking for a new head coach in the NFL. If Tomlin is fired or leaves, I believe that makes seven or eight openings this year. Too much competition to find the right guy unless we overpay for for him and I do not see that happening.

The JOB SECURITY of the Steelers job makes it very attractive.

 

[SteelerSask2]

I wouldn’t need any picks for Mike whatever they are willing to give. Just get the **** out of our city.

To me the concept of what can they get in a trade cedes the idea that he really is a very good coach. Then why would you get rid if him at all? I mean Harbaugh has a similar success rate. What did they get for him. Nice idea and I wouldn't pass up a draft pick but not happening.

 

[steel dino]

I hear you slash and desert.. and understand your point of view however, let’s be realistic…this position with this organization at this current time, it’s not seen as valuable as it once was… especially from the squad’s personnel and team facilities at this time. I.e. quarterback position is a huge problem at the moment
And the facilities leave a lot to be desired from what I understand...It is certainly not the echelon of head coaching opportunities in the NFL currently.

Not only that, the financial piece of it will come in to play as the Steelers will compete with other organizations-looking to fill that same opportunity. And we all know what’s up with that.

Tomlin is not going anywhere, he’s not giving away $16 million and the Steelers. are not terminating his contract early.

In my opinion, the succession plan that I suggested is a solid one, and one that is feasible to all parties involved.

 

[mdk2]

If AR2 doesn’t remove Tomlin. That draft is going to be full of fire Tomlin chants, as it should be. AR2, stop being a ***** and do your part for once.

 

[steel dino]

Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention.
If the Packers are foolish enough to fire their head coach, I would send Tomlin packing to get that guy.
The only problem is, I don’t think the steelers are gonna pay Tomlin and then watch him on NFL shows on TV at the same time.

 

[slashsteel]

I hear you slash and desert.. and understand your point of view however, let’s be realistic…this position with this organization at this current time, it’s not seen as valuable as it once was… especially from the squad’s personnel and team facilities at this time. I.e. quarterback position is a huge problem at the moment
And the facilities leave a lot to be desired from what I understand...It is certainly not the echelon of head coaching opportunities in the NFL currently.

Not only that, the financial piece of it will come in to play as the Steelers will compete with other organizations-looking to fill that same opportunity. And we all know what’s up with that.

Tomlin is not going anywhere, he’s not giving away $16 million and the Steelers. are not terminating his contract early.

In my opinion, the succession plan that I suggested is a solid one, and one that is feasible to all parties involved.

Those facilities aren’t ugly and they have addressed them. Not a deterrent for a guy wanting the job . The Steelers can afford to bring in a new coach Tomlin gets paid well. Nothing preventing the Steelers from financially moving on.

The only thing preventing them from moving on is their want to. Their pockets are lined.

The fans have had enough most of them. Without us there wouldn’t be football.

Any plan for them that doesn’t involve moving on is a fail.

 

[madinsomniac]

Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention.
If the Packers are foolish enough to fire their head coach, I would send Tomlin packing to get that guy.
The only problem is, I don’t think the steelers are gonna pay Tomlin and then watch him on NFL shows on TV at the same time.

I mean, if Tomlin wants to coach Parsons and Love, the intelligent move is to swap head coaches...
for all his faults, Tomlin usually doesnt blow big leads, and their O is already established..
the Steelers would get the offensive mastermind they have lacked in this era

 

[ZonaBurgh]

1. Not a good year to be looking for a new head coach in the NFL. If Tomlin is fired or leaves, I believe that makes seven or eight openings this year. Too much competition to find the right guy unless we overpay for for him and I do not see that happening.

Hindsight being 20/20, imagine Vrabel or Ben Johnson as the HC this year. My fear is that even if they part ways with Tomlin now, Art II will drag his feet looking for a replacement until those 7 or 8 teams fill their positions.

 

[steel dino]

Hindsight being 20/20, imagine Vrabel or Ben Johnson as the HC this year. My fear is that even if they part ways with Tomlin now, Art II will drag his feet looking for a replacement until those 7 or 8 teams fill their positions.

Yes, there have been some good opportunities for Tomlin replacements in the past.
But every year is different, and this one just seems to have so many openings that I think it would cause us to possibly reach because we didn’t get our first or second choice.
I realize what I suggested is hard to stomach for most currently less than 24 hours after that debacle. However, if you really think about it, that might be best case scenario in a win-win for everybody, including the fans.

 

[slashsteel]

I mean, if Tomlin wants to coach Parsons and Love, the intelligent move is to swap head coaches...
for all his faults, Tomlin usually doesnt blow big leads, and their O is already established..
the Steelers would get the offensive mastermind they have lacked in this era

You think Mike would do something with the Pack? Cmon Mad. You think he would be their only change? He would hire some flunkies and it would be repeat outcome if even that.

I would love Mike to coach elsewhere it would be an eye opening for some.