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After a fourth straight playoff exit in the AFC wild card round, fans are calling for the Pittsburgh Steelers to make significant changes this offseason. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin suggested that’s exactly what will happen.
Tomlin told reporters in his post-season press conference on January 14 that the Steelers could have changes in several aspects of their organization in 2025.
“There’s change that comes with this time of year. Certainly, there’s chance that comes when you don’t have the desired outcome. Those are just the realities of the business,” Tomlin told reporters. “I’d imagine there’s going to be some things that change around here on a lot of levels.”
“I understand that. I’m open to that.”
Tomlin didn’t offer specifics, but he implied anything could be on the table. He also emphasized that he and the organization will not repeat the same mistakes over the last few years that have resulted in the Steelers going eight seasons without a playoff win.
“Although we’ve had similar results, rest assured, we aren’t doing the same things hoping for a better result. We have adapted. We have altered our approach, and we will continue because we’re not getting what we seek,” Tomlin added. “That’s the confetti game — to be world champs. Our goals are really clear. It’s also really clear that we’re falling short of it, and falling short of it in a consistent way, so we’re still going to continue to be open to adapting our behavior, our program, the structure of what it is that we do.
“To turn over every stone in an effort to get what we desire. That’s just the appropriate and mature way to approach it.”
Changes Coming to Mike Tomlin’s Coaching Staff?
Tomlin told reporters he met with owner Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan since the Steelers lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC wild card round. The head coach made it sound like that meeting has him convinced changes are coming.
But again, Tomlin didn’t provide specifics. To a lot of questions on January 14, he said he’s in the early stages in the evaluations that will help him make major decisions about the 2025 roster.
The Steelers have 21 unrestricted free agents this offseason. They could have a significantly different roster next fall. Tomlin suggested the coaching staff will look different too.
“I think changes in coaching staffs are a component of our business,” Tomlin said. “I certainly don’t think all of our coaches are under contract.”
Tomlin didn’t receive any questions about his own job security. But he answered questions in a way that implies he will return for his 19th season in 2025.
The Steelers signed Tomlin to a contract extension, which runs through 2027, last offseason. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reported on January 12 that the Steelers do not plan to make replacing Tomlin one of their changes this offseason.
Who Will Be Steelers 2025 Quarterback?
It’s possible the Steelers could have two new coordinators next season. But if they aren’t making a change at head coach, the most significant change the organization could have is at quarterback.
All three signal callers the Steelers had in 2024 — Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen — are set to be free agents in March.
Tomlin told reporters he and Khan will spend half a day this week evaluating the team’s quarterback play from the 2024 season. The head coach, though, confirmed Wilson’s age will be a factor in whether or not he returns. Wilson turned 36 years old in November.
Tomlin was also complimentary of Fields and added he isn’t against the 26-year-old returning as the team’s projected starter next season.
“I thought he got continual better within our system of ball throughout the process,” Tomlin said. “I thought the way he conducted himself makes that a legitimate thought or idea at this juncture.”
Fields posted a 4-2 record as the Steelers starter. He began the season 3-0 and then lost two of his next three starts before Wilson replaced him.
Wilson won six of his first seven games as Pittsburgh’s starter. But after a five-game losing streak to end the season, Wilson finished his first campaign with the Steelers at 6-6.
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