The Steelers are staying the course — despite mounting pressure to shake things up after a disappointing end to their 2024-25 campaign.
Pittsburgh’s season concluded with five straight losses, including an embarrassing playoff defeat to their division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. It’s been seven years since the Steelers last won a postseason game under Mike Tomlin’s leadership.
For most NFL teams, such a drought would trigger major changes. But Pittsburgh operates differently.
Tomlin remains one of the league’s most respected coaches, even as criticism mounts. While frustrations are understandable, the Steelers’ problems run deeper than their head coach. Changes are coming — Tomlin himself acknowledged the offseason wouldn’t be quiet — but apparently not to his coaching staff.
The decision to retain offensive line coach Pat Meyer for 2025 raised eyebrows across the league. Pittsburgh’s offensive line struggled mightily this season, despite significant draft investment in recent years.
The team has three high draft picks anchoring their O-line rotation, including first-rounders Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. Yet under Meyer’s guidance since 2022, the unit hasn’t developed as expected.
Tomlin’s legendary loyalty to his assistants likely influenced the decision. It’s one reason why new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith chose Pittsburgh.
But loyalty has its limits.
The offensive line’s issues became glaring late in the season. Their handling of young talent raises questions too — both Jones and Fautanu have been moved around the line, potentially hampering their development. Meanwhile, former Steeler Kevin Dotson has flourished since being traded to the Los Angeles Rams.
“I would have looked at all of this and moved on from Meyer, but the Steelers decided otherwise,” wrote Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.
The Eagles built a Super Bowl champion by dominating the line of scrimmage. Pittsburgh’s struggles in the trenches suggest they’re headed for another season of mediocrity — likely another 10-7 finish followed by an early playoff exit.
But in Pittsburgh, that apparently isn’t enough to force change.