The Pittsburgh Steelers epitomize “Legacy Coach” when considering the list of accomplished, legendary shot callers who have worn the headset on the sidelines of the black and yellow. Super Bowl wins are rightfully rewarded with tenure in Steeltown. Since the AFL and NFL merger in the late 1960s, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had 3 head coaches.
No other NFL team can even come close to such a claim. Current Steelers coach Mike Tomlin carries a higher career-winning percentage than his predecessors. Tomlin himself is a realist and would be among the first to point to a connection between legacy and mediocrity if there were one. He is not a lame duck, but the Steeler’s streak of first-round playoff exits has definitely signaled for an evaluation of the teams’ priorities. At this stage, the organization doesn’t owe Tomlin anything.
The Steelers have had six consecutive postseason losses, including seasons when the team won the AFC North. Seasons like 2016, 2017, and 2020 were full of high hopes and aspirations of a second Steelers Super Bowl with Mike Tomlin at the helm.
Alternatively, the Steelers surprised most prognosticators this season and finished with a record of 10-7, easily securing the 6th playoff position in the AFC. This record included dramatic early season wins over the division-winning Baltimore Ravens. That team is stacked with All-Pro players, including MVP candidate Quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Equally as impressive, was a 44-point offensive effort in beating divisional juggernaut Cincinnati, and a nail-biter of a win against dynamic rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Then, the momentum seemed to shift; they ran out of gas, and kind of limped into the playoffs.
The Steelers’ first-round loss to Baltimore sort of personified the mediocrity of the organization, and its commitment to its legacy coaches. Quarterback Russell Wilson should have been a backup to the young and likely more dynamic Justin Fields.
Steelers fans were certainly excited when the team acquired Fields. Wilson though, rose to the challenge and played well enough early on to solidify his role as a starter. He was good, then okay, then just OK, finishing the season 9th in quarterback ratings and 22nd in passing yards.
Overall, Russell Wilson was adequate, again signaling mediocrity for the proud franchise. Despite boasting a strong flank with All-Pro linebacker TJ Watt, the defense was static, right in the middle of league rankings for most of the season.
The team desperately needs a rebuild of the defensive line. That should be a top priority as they head into the draft. With the 21st pick, the Steelers will require a diligent and detailed effort from their analytics department, including coach Tomlin, to ensure that they get an impact player. The defense, as a whole, will require a substantial upgrade on the line, and with the secondary, specifically a cornerback. Both needs could be made possible through the draft and free agency.
Fans would like to believe that there is an expiration date on the horizon for the team’s streak of mediocrity. Changes are needed ASAP to get this team over the playoff hurdle. Perhaps the first to be relieved of his duties will be accomplished defensive coordinator Tyrel Austin, but that hardly seems like a solution to anything regarding pending issues. This team needs a rebuild, and if it is to commit to this, then the attachment to its legacy coaches is something that the Pittsburgh Steelers might have to move on from.
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