Mike Tomlin’s job might not be at stake, but his legacy is

When the Steelers take the field on Saturday night against the Ravens, their playoff fate isn’t the only thing at stake.  Regardless of the outcome, no one believes Mike Tomlin’s job is in jeopardy.  This, despite the fact this franchise does not have a playoff win since 2016.  What is at stake is Mike Tomlin’s legacy.  Tomlin’s resume was at one time completely untouchable.  That is no longer the case however.  Tomlin needs a playoff win Saturday night, and he needs it badly. Pressure on Mike Tomlin in 2024?

It wasn’t too long ago that criticism of the Steelers head coach by the national media was unheard of.  After yet another late season collapse, some are finding the courage to take some shots at Tomlin.  He can no longer hide under the umbrella of the no losing seasons mantra.  https://youtu.be/9x0uOl6L4X8?si=RaXR3HCZKl3PSqNm  

Given all his regular season success, you can not be considered one of the all time greats in coaching with a losing record in the playoffs.  A loss on Saturday would make Tomlin 8-11 all time in the post season.  You can’t be considered an all time greats if you go ten years without a playoff win.  Losing Saturday would make it a decade long drought for the Steelers.  To make matters worse it’s not just losses, it’s how the Steelers have lost.  The supposed defense coach has been inept on defense in the post season recently.  The Steelers have given up an average of almost 42 points per game in their last four games.

There’s a ton at stake for Mike Tomlin Saturday night.  His job may not be in jeopardy, but his legacy certainly is.  Player, coaches, and yes even management will start to question how good a coach Tomlin really is.  Is he Bill Belichick, Andy Reid good?  Or is he going to be lumped in with names like Marty Schottenheimer, Marvin Lewis.  Mike Tomlin was quoted as saying his playoff performances “are his alone to carry, and he’s comfortable doing so”.  A win against the Ravens on Saturday will make carrying them a whole lot easier.  A loss further tarnishes Mike Tomlin’s legacy, possibly to the point of no return.