‘We all love Coach T’: Steelers Players Stand by their Coach Mike Tomlin Amidst Collapse
Steelers Players Stand by Coach Mike Tomlin Despite Late-Season Struggles
After another one-and-done playoff performance capped by a late-season collapse, the Pittsburgh Steelers are facing changes, but coach Mike Tomlin still has the support of his players. Despite calls from frustrated fans for Tomlin’s departure, All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt expressed admiration for the coach’s impact on the organization and emphasized the need for improved performance across the board.
“I know they don’t show what this guy means to this place… We need to perform better for everybody,” Watt said, pointing out that the blame for the Steelers’ struggles goes beyond Tomlin alone.
The Steelers entered the postseason with high hopes after a 10-3 start, but a five-game losing streak, culminating in a Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens, extended their playoff drought under Tomlin to eight years. Despite the frustration surrounding the team’s inability to secure a playoff win since 2016, players like Watt and tight end Pat Freiermuth stood by their coach, stressing that the problems are rooted in collective execution rather than coaching decisions alone.
“I have the utmost faith in the coaching staff,” Freiermuth said. “Without Coach T, we wouldn’t have been able to have been in the playoffs.”
As Tomlin wraps up his 18th season as head coach with a career record of 183-107-2, he remains a respected leader within the locker room, with many players like veteran quarterback Russell Wilson voicing their continued support.
Despite the recent setbacks, the Steelers are determined to rebound next season, acknowledging that improvement will come from all levels of the organization.
