Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Jelani Scott

NFL Insider Would Be ‘Shocked’ If Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Is on Hot Seat

As the 2023 NFL season nears its stretch run, the Steelers’ recent slump has led to chatter regarding longtime coach Mike Tomlin becoming a candidate for the dreaded hot seat.

Pittsburgh’s 21–18 prime-time loss to the lowly Patriots (2–10) on Thursday added to the mounting questions, as the Steelers (7–6) lost their fourth game in seven weeks, including two straight to sub-.500 teams. Despite the surging criticism, Tomlin still appears to be in Pittsburgh’s future plans in the eyes of one NFL insider.

Appearing on Friday’s episode of The Rich Eisen Show, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero expressed his strong disbelief in the idea of Pittsburgh moving on from Tomlin, citing his level of influence and how “historically patient” team brass has been as key factors.

“Put it this way, Rich: I would be shocked if the Steelers fired Mike Tomlin,” Pelissero said. “I would certainly be very surprised if they would even consider a trade of Mike Tomlin. And I’m not sure that there’s another job out there that Mike Tomlin would look at, absent the money factor.”

Pelissero further emphasized the current state of Tomlin’s job security by noting the “tremendous amount of power” he has within the organization “in terms of running the entire football operation.” 

Pelissero’s comments may be enough to quell the rumors for the time being, but the situation figures to remain one to keep an eye on should Pittsburgh’s skid continue. 

Tomlin will also have the added pressure of preserving his streak of 16 consecutive seasons finishing with a .500 record or better. The Steelers need to go 2-2 the rest of the way to keep that historic run alive, which could be tough considering the ColtsBengalsSeahawks and Ravens await Pittsburgh to close out the season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.