Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a shocking 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season. This has sparked doubts about Tomlin’s future as the head coach. Critics, including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo, questioned Tomlin’s decisions in critical moments.
“I think, hands down, it was the coaching. And I’m sure we’re gonna get into some of the personnel decisions and some of those fourth-down calls, but I thought overall Mike Tomlin showed the Browns a lack of disrespect early in the game,” Fittipaldo said.
However, former Steelers star Le’Veon Bell isn’t having it.
Le’Veon Bell Is on Team Mike Tomlin
The ex-running back for Pittsburgh from 2013-2018 took to social media to defend his former coach, calling out fans who want Tomlin gone.
“If you’re a steeler fan and [you’re] saying ‘fire mike tomlin,’ … then you’re not a real steelers fan,” Bell posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
if you’re a steeler fan and your saying “fire mike tomlin” …
then you’re not a real steelers fan
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) November 23, 2024
However, Bell’s defense comes amid heavy scrutiny after Tomlin’s controversial choices during the Browns game, including an ill-fated penalty acceptance that allowed Cleveland to convert on 3rd-and-7 and eventually seal the game.
The Steeler HC’s decision-making has been in question lately. However, Tomlin’s track record speaks volumes. Now in his 18th season, the NFL’s longest-tenured coach boasts a 173-100-2 record and has never finished a season below .500.
His leadership led Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl title in 2008. One can also argue that the Steelers have always been a competitive bunch in a typically cutthroat AFC North, currently remaining atop the division with an 8-3 record.
While calls for Tomlin’s job persist, the Steelers organization doubled down on its faith in the veteran coach in June 2024 when Tomlin signed a three-year extension. He’s under contract through 2027.
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Steelers president Art Rooney II praised Tomlin’s leadership: “Extending his contract reflects our confidence in his ability to guide the team back to winning playoff games and championships.”
Tomlin’s resilience and ability to bounce back have been hallmarks of his career, and this season is no different. The Steelers have a crucial matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13, and Tomlin would love the chance to silence his critics and solidify Pittsburgh’s position as a playoff contender.