Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Has Recognized His Own Mistakes: 'The Organization Has Done Some Things Wrong'

The Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed the leadership of Mike Tomlin as their head coach for an impressive 17 seasons. What's truly remarkable is that during this span, they've never once suffered a losing season. This consistency in performance is a rarity in the NFL, especially considering the challenges that come with the retirement of key players like Ben Roethlisberger. Despite the transition, Tomlin has admirably kept the Steelers competitive throughout the regular season.

However, the postseason has been a different story. Despite their regular season successes, the Steelers have struggled to make an impact in the playoffs in recent years. Year after year, they either fall short of qualifying for the postseason, or barely make it in, and they have failed to win a playoff game since the 2016 season. This lack of postseason success has left star player TJ Watt feeling embarrassed.

Recently, during Art Rooney II's end-of-season interview, many Steelers fans were skeptical about the possibility of meaningful change. However, this offseason, under the direction of Omar Khan, the team has taken a more proactive and aggressive approach. They've made necessary cuts and adjustments where needed. Notably, ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor suggests that, for the first time, Tomlin has openly acknowledged the organization's shortcomings.

Pryor recently joined Randy Baumann on the DVE Morning Show to share her insights on the Steelers' offseason maneuvers.

"I think what he's saying, how he's saying it, also the actions, to me all suggest this acknowledgment that he's done some things wrong and the organization has done some things wrong recently. I think that that's something that we haven't seen him say either in his words or actions in the past couple of years,” Pryor said about Tomlin.

The Steelers made a bold move when they decided to part ways with Matt Canada midseason, a decision many felt was long overdue. However, it marked a turning point as they began to address issues within the coaching staff. This offseason, their actions have been equally surprising, with the appointment of Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator. 

Additionally, the unexpected moves for quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have left Steelers fans pleasantly surprised. These unexpected moves, highlighted by Pryor, indicate a proactive approach by the Steelers in rectifying their past mistakes.

"The way that he's acknowledging things and bringing in Arthur Smith for his football vision, as he said today, and bringing in Fields and Russell Wilson, and trading Kenny Pickett away, it's like he recognized that this organization needs a fresh start offensively.”

The Steelers further bolstered their already formidable defense, a key factor in their success with 10 wins during the 2023 season. Their acquisitions of DeShon Elliott, Donte Jackson, and notably, Patrick Queen, stand out as significant additions. With these enhancements, the Steelers' defense is poised to rank among the league's elite in the upcoming 2024 season. 

"They have the defense figured out. There are some holes to plug, but the defense is pretty much fine.”

Steelers' Omar Khan On His Offseason Moves

Many Steelers fans perceive this offseason as an aggressive approach, but Khan holds a different view. He sees it simply as thorough due diligence aimed at reigniting the Steelers' presence in Super Bowl conversations. Every decision made, according to Khan, is with the clear objective of reaching that coveted second week in February.

However, whether Khan acknowledges it or not, his actions have indeed been assertive. This assertiveness is a welcomed change for Steelers fans who have grown accustomed to mediocrity in recent times. Rooney's dissatisfaction with the team's performance has been evident, and Khan and his team are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for change.

With the anticipation building, Steeler Nation eagerly awaits to see how these bold moves will translate into success on the field and impact the team's performance in the 2024 season.