The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in good hands in the minds of many pundits for 18 seasons with head coach Mike Tomlin. Now, Tomlin is a sensitive subject because he hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. That’s a long drought for a franchise as iconic as the Steelers, one that has built its reputation on postseason success. While Tomlin has never had a losing season, many argue that consistency in the regular season doesn’t excuse the team’s repeated failures in the playoffs. Another common criticism of Tomlin is his coaching style. Often referred to as a “players’ coach,” Tomlin is known for fostering strong relationships with his players and allowing them a certain level of freedom. Supporters say this creates a positive locker room culture, but critics believe it can backfire when players start putting themselves above the team. This perception has been reinforced during seasons when discipline and focus have appeared to be lacking. One player who understands Tomlin’s approach better than most
