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For nearly two decades at the helm, Mike Tomlin coached the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Super Bowl and has been considered one of the best coaches in the NFL.
Although the Steelers are one of the league’s most announced franchises, the group has become accustomed to being out of the playoffs in recent years. Tomlin has been the Steelers' head coach since the 2007 season. He never ended the regular season and ended with a failed record, but it has been eight years since he led a team to win in the playoffs.
Amid Pittsburgh’s recent disappointment, former Steelers star and current ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark has put forward ideas for Tomlin’s coaching future.
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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin jokes with safety Ryan Clark during training camp at St. Vincent College in Pittsburgh, July 28, 2012. (Charles Laker - USA Today's Sports)
Clark first shows that Tomlin should not be forced to leave his position.
Mike Tomlin
"I believe it's not easy for Mike Tomlin," Clark said on ESPN. "I believe that if Mike Tomlin stays away from the Pittsburgh Steelers' coach, it should be his decision. I'm saying time and time again: I believe it should be the decision he made."
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in a playoff game against the Ravens in Baltimore on January 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Clark then encouraged his former coach to continue on to another NFL team where he could be seen as "the new voice." He also suggested that the coach’s message may no longer resonate with current players in the Steelers locker room.
"I believe Mike Tomlin should coach in another organization," Clark continued. "Mike Tomlin should make a fresh voice elsewhere. Because … great as he is, and he is a chief Hall of Fame member, I believe his voice is outdated there. I believe he has allowed the team to reach the highest level they will reach unless they can get top quarterbacks."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is at the New England Patriots game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on December 7, 2023. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The Steelers, which quarterback game level earned in the 2025 season, could have a significant impact on their success. Pittsburgh’s quarterback is currently characterized by players with more questions than answers.
Mason Rudolph left the Steelers after the 2023 season and joined the Tennessee Titans. The quarterback scored nine touchdowns in eight games in 2024. Apart from Rudolph, Skilar Thompson and rookie Will Howard are the only other quarterbacks to sign a contract with the Steelers.
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Howard led Ohio State to the national championship in January. Pittsburgh selected him in the sixth round last month.
The Steelers expressed interest in senior quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The four-time NFL MVP met with the Steelers front desk and coach, but he has not yet made a formal decision on his football future.
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