The Pittsburgh Steelers recently wrapped up another disappointing season. At one point, the team was 10-3, firmly leading the AFC North and in contention for the AFC’s top seed. However, they closed the regular season with four consecutive losses and were eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the Baltimore Ravens. Since then, all levels of coaching have faced significant criticism, though no major changes appear likely for the 2025 offseason.
While the Steelers’ offense showed improvement in 2024 compared to recent years, it still seemed outdated compared to the rest of the league. This could partly be attributed to uncertainty at quarterback, but head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s commitment to the run game was also a factor. Additionally, despite having the NFL’s highest-paid defense, the unit collapsed late in the season.
In a recent article for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, team insider Gerry Dulac revealed sources’ opinions on the Steelers’ struggles. “Several sources have told the Post-Gazette the offense and defense lack imagination and have become too predictable,” Dulac wrote. “Offensively, there is a disconnect between Wilson and coordinator Arthur Smith about the way the passing game should operate. Defensively, the Steelers rarely blitz and struggle to pressure the quarterback, especially when teams focus on neutralizing T.J. Watt.”
Offensive play-calling has been a persistent issue for the Steelers, and a coordinator change during the 2024 offseason did little to solve the problem. Tomlin’s unwavering philosophy—prioritizing the run game, strong defense, and winning the turnover battle—has repeatedly proven outdated in an evolving NFL. This lack of adaptation reflects how far behind Pittsburgh is compared to other teams. Their offensive approach is predictable, with frequent first-down runs leaving them in obvious passing situations on third downs, a formula that rarely leads to success.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has also faced heavy criticism for the team’s late-season struggles, given the high-caliber talent at his disposal. The Steelers rarely blitz, an unusual strategy for a franchise traditionally known for aggressive pass-rushing. With T.J. Watt constantly drawing double teams, the lack of additional pass-rushers is baffling and highlights the coaching staff’s failure to adjust.
Tomlin and his staff have been repeatedly accused of poor decision-making, particularly in critical moments. The Steelers’ recent lack of playoff success reflects this, as poor personnel decisions and ineffective game plans continue to cost them. For example, in the playoff loss to the Ravens, Pittsburgh changed its typical approach to defending Lamar Jackson—a strategy that had previously been successful—making it easier for Baltimore to move the ball.
No one is more frustrated with the team’s shortcomings than Tomlin, but as the longest-tenured head coach in the league, he must seriously reevaluate his approach if the Steelers hope to compete at a higher level.
