Steelers Now
The fact had been recited ad nauseam. Year after year, the wait for Mike Tomlin’s first losing season in charge of the Pittsburgh Steelers continued. It’s a campaign of the likes that will never happen after the longtime head coach turned in his headset and whistle on Tuesday.
Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark doesn’t believe Tomlin’s successor will be able to pick up where he left off.
“I think, right now, Omar Khan, the general manager, and Art Rooney Jr. are gonna make the most important decision that’s been made for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 20 years,” Clark said on “Inside the NFL.” “I mean, this team doesn’t miss on head coach hirings — Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, Mike Tomlin. They haven’t had to make this decision but three times since the late 60s. That’s how good they’ve been at picking or making this choice.
“I’m afraid it’s gonna be a total rebuild. This isn’t gonna be another year where you get to fight your way into the playoffs with a roster that shouldn’t be there. You probably won’t have that type of coach. You won’t have that type of roster.”
"Next year the Steelers will have a losing record, and they need that" ‼️
@RealRClark25 and @OchoCinco talk about Pittsburgh's future without Tomlin and changing expectations pic.twitter.com/XKi33jCHPj— Inside the NFL (@insidetheNFL) January 16, 2026
The last time the Steelers finished under .500 was in 2003 when they went 6-10 under Bill Cowher. They drafted Ben Roethlisberger with the No. 11 overall pick in the following draft.
“I think this is the first time in 20 years (that) the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a losing record – and they need that,” Clark said. “In Mike Tomlin’s tenure, they had a top-10 pick one time. And they moved up picks in order to draft Devin Bush. It’s difficult to get your quarterback of the future when you’re not picking in a place to get him.
“You can have that opportunity after this season.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Legend Feels Trouble is Brewing Without Mike Tomlin
