Head coach Mike Tomlin leaves the Pittsburgh Steelers having lost seven consecutive postseason games. But early in his career when he had a franchise quarterback, Tomlin had a lot more playoff success.
That franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, send a heartfelt message to his former head coach on X after Tomlin announced he would be stepping down from the Steelers.
“Coach T, we got to spend 15 years together, and through the ups & downs it was a great ride,” Roethlisberger wrote.”Thank you for all you did for me and this team, and this community!
“You are a legend, and one of the greatest to do it!
“Here is to the next chapter — whatever that looks like.”
Over 15 seasons together, Roethlisberger and Tomlin won nearly twice as many games as they lost, going 136-70-1 from 2007-21. They also captured seven AFC North titles, two AFC championships and a Super Bowl victory.
Steelers Team President Art Rooney II announced on X that Tomlin told him in a meeting Tuesday morning he planned to resign as the team’s head coach.
Tomlin departs having won 193 regular season games, which is tied for the most in franchise history.
Ben Roethlisberger Congratulates Mike Tomlin After Ending Steelers Tenure
Roethlisberger began his career under previous head coach Bill Cowher. In just three seasons with Cowher, Roethlisberger set rookie records and became the youngest quarterback to ever win the Super Bowl during his second season.
But under Tomlin, Roethlisberger became a perennial Pro Bowl quarterback and built his Hall of Fame resume from a statistical standpoint.
Particularly from 2014-18, Roethlisberger dominated the league. He led the NFL in passing yards twice and averaged 33.5 passing touchdowns per 17 games.
Tomlin has received a lot of criticism for the team falling into mediocrity this decade. But it’s that era, 2014-18, where, while looking at Tomlin’s Steelers tenure in totality, there should be some regret.
Despite a franchise quarterback in his prime and a top-rated offense, the Steelers didn’t get back to the Super Bowl.
Tomlin Should Still Be Celebrated
While Tomlin’s tenure ended on a sour note, particularly Monday with a 30-6 postseason defeat, it’s not a day to celebrate he’s leaving. The longtime Steelers head coach accomplished a lot in Pittsburgh with and without Roethlisberger.
There were rumors that the quarterback didn’t have the best relationship with all of his coaches, mostly former offensive coordinator Todd Haley. But based on his reaction to Tomlin’s exit, Roethlisberger is on great terms with his former head coach.
So are so many other players. There might not be a more respected head coach currently in the NFL.
“It was a bittersweet feeling,” Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith told ESPN on Tomlin notifying the team of his departure, via Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora. “To have him address the team in an exit meeting in the fashion that he did, man, it was a bittersweet moment.
“He got a standing ovation.”
Given that the Steelers have posted a 10-7 record and lost in the wild card round of the playoffs three consecutive seasons, it’s clear the franchise could benefit from a new head coach. But Smith’s “bittersweet feeling” probably summarizes it best.
While Roethlisberger and Steelers fans can look forward to the next chapter for the team, it’s hard not to feel sad about Tomlin’s departure and proud about what he accomplished.
Ben Roethlisberger Delivers Strong Message to Mike Tomlin After Steelers Exit