Steelers Now
If all goes according to plan, Mike Tomlin could become the winningest head coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history this season. However, a sizable portion of the franchise’s fan base is unhappy that the sideline mainstay hasn’t delivered when it matters most.
On a recent episode of “The Pivot Podcast,” co-host and former Steelers safety Ryan Clark asked Tomlin what his response is to doubters who bring up the fact he hasn’t won a playoff game since 2017.
“I say nothing,” Tomlin said. “You know, we’ve got resumes. We all do, and we gotta stand on that. I live a life, man, where I don’t seek comfort. I don’t make excuses. You know, engaging in that discussion, to me, is excuses. I don’t live that life, man. I pour everything I got into what I do, man, and when the dust settles, it settles — and I keep it moving.
“You know I don’t care a whole lot about what people have to say. I don’t. Like, respectfully, I don’t. Some people talk, some people watch, some people do. I’m glad I’m a doer. I’m glad I live in that world.”
Tomlin is entering his 19th season in charge of the Steelers. This roster is much different than last year’s with turnover that includes the additions of Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey. The coach is embracing the challenge of leading those stars.
“I love the kitchen, I love competition. I love it when it’s hot,” Tomlin said. “I love the challenges that our business presents. That’s just the life I choose to live, and I understand the things that come with it, man. And I’m OK with it.”
With four wins this season, Tomlin would pass Chuck Knox for the 11th-most all time. Eight wins would vault Tomlin past Dan Reeves for 10th and 11 would surpass Steelers coaching great Chuck Noll at ninth.
Dating back to 2017, Tomlin and the Steelers have lost five consecutive postseason outings, allowing more than 40 points in three.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Responds to Criticism of Playoff Failures
