Despite his regular season success, some Steelers fans have grown weary of Tomlin. During the 2023 season, particularly after a three-game losing streak in December, a large portion of the fan base called for his dismissal. However, in typical Tomlin fashion, he rallied the team and, with some help from other teams, managed to sneak into the playoffs.
Many Steelers fans are frustrated with consistently needing outside help to make the playoffs, only to face early exits. Tomlin's teams have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season. While speculation about Tomlin being on the hot seat circulated, the national media quickly dismissed it , affirming his status as a great coach who isn't going anywhere.
The rumor mill also buzzed with suggestions that Tomlin was contemplating his future with the Steelers or even stepping away from coaching. Initially dismissed as clickbait, these reports turned out to have substance. Mike Florio revealed on Pro Football Talk that Tomlin was indeed seriously considering his options.
"This is something that was toward the end of the season as the Steelers were struggling and their offense was cr*p. It was very real that Tomlin was considering options both now and after this season because he was only under contract for one more year. And for the first time in his tenure as Steelers head coach, he was entering into what would've been lame-duck season, and it gave him the ability to think differently than he ever has.
" It seemed unlikely that Toml.