The Steelers have a lot of soul searching to do after becoming the first team in NFL history to be over .500 and lose back-to-back games to teams at least eight games under .500. No one's job should be safe, and that includes head coach Mike Tomlin's.
Tomlin is widely respected across the league, but the only thing Pittsburgh seems to be holding onto anymore is his NFL record for the most consecutive non-losing seasons to begin coaching career (16).
However, there is a realistic scenario that his unprecedented streak comes to an end in 2023, which would leave the Steelers (7-6) out of the playoffs in back-to-back years and still without a postseason win since the 2016 season.
Pittsburgh's four remaining opponents have a combined record of 30-22, and the team will be without second-year QB Kenny Pickett for at least another game or two.
It's safe to say that the last month of the regular season may just be the most important month of Tomlin's coaching career.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo, it's "50/50" Tomlin is the Steelers head coach next year, and how they finish the season could determine his future.
If the team were to move on from Tomlin this offseason, it should trade him as several teams would likely be interested. Some in the Pittsburgh media have already been coming up with trade packages.
Trade proposal:
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) December 5, 2023
Mike Tomlin to the Washington Commanders for Washington’s 2024 1st round pick and 2025 2nd round pick.
Tomlin goes back to region he’s from. Gets full roster control. And gets a big raise.
Who says no?
It's certainly not what many pictured after the Steelers' promising preseason run. But the Steelers have been one of the NFL's most unwatchable teams.
Tomlin, who's led Pittsburgh to two Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl win (XLIII), has earned the right to continue being a head coach in the league, but maybe a change of scenery is what's best for both sides.
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