The Pittsburgh Steelers will meet their arch rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday for what essentially is a playoff game.  The winners got to the post season, the losers season is over.  With so much on the line, Steelers players and coaches jobs may be on the line.  Some very prominent figures in Pittsburgh could indeed be on the way out if the Steelers lose on Sunday.  Let’s take a look at the people who could very well be seeing their last day as members of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization:

Teryl Austin:

The Steelers embattled defensive coordinator sees his contract run out at the end of the 2025 season.  It’s hard to fault any DC in Pittsburgh given what we know of  Tomlin’s heavy hand in everything associated with the defense.  Still, it seems like Austin has become a bit stale here in Pittsburgh.  When the annual promises of change come from Tomlin and Art Rooney, Teryl Austin will become the convenient scapegoat.

Cam Heyward:

Cam Heyward has made it abundantly clear that he is unhappy with his current contract.  The Steelers have also made it clear they have no plans to redo that deal.  After a somewhat uneventful “holdout” last offseason, things promise to get much more ugly this time around.  It would not be surprising at all for Heyward to demand a trade this spring.  It would be even less surprising if the Steelers obliged him.

Aaron Rodgers:

Aaron Rodgers has been as exactly as advertised in 2025.  A former super star who still can overcome a considerable lack of talent on offense.  The thought of any other the other possible choices playing quarterback for this team is frightening.  Having said that, Rodgers is 42 years old, and there are times where he looks every bit of that.  The offense is limited because Rodgers wants to get the ball out as quickly as possible.  The scary part is he still might be the Steelers best option in 2026.  The draft was once promising in terns of quarterbacks, is now extremely shallow.  Free agency looks even worse with very few viable candidates.  Prepare yourselves for another long, drawn out courtship of Aaron Rodgers in 2026 until he decides to play or retire.

Kenneth Gainwell:

Kenneth Gainwell has made himself a substantial amount of money this season, more than any other Steelers players on this roster.  His retuning to the team could greatly hinge on whether or not Aaron Rodgers is back.  If Aaron does come back, you can bet he will push for Gainwell to return.  He has been Rodgers favorite target all season.  The question becomes what will the price tag be?  The Steelers running back has set career highs in rushing yards, receptions, and receiving yards already this season. He should garner tons of interest in free agency making him tough to retain.

Mike Tomlin:

We saved the best for last here.  Anytime the topic of Mike Tomlin leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers comes up, its with the thought of how unlikely it really is.  And this year is no different.  Art Rooney has never wavered on his loyalty to Tomlin.  Things have taken  an interesting twist this week however.  Adam Schefter reported that there is a possibility that Tomlin may not be back in Pittsburgh next season  https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/schefter-hints-mike-tomlin-could-110646385.html

Even with a loss there’s no way Tomlin would be fired.  As we’ve mentioned several times before, the only way Tomlin leaves Pittsburgh is if he asks to leave.  Does a loss on Sunday make him think about seeking a fresh start somewhere else?  No one knows for sure.  This has been the most uncomfortable season in Pittsburgh for Tomlin with repeated calls for him to be fired by the fanbase.  Losing to the Ravens and missing the playoffs will turn the heat up even higher than it was earlier this year.  Maybe, just maybe, Tomlin will decide he’s had enough.