NFL insider makes his feelings known on Mike Tomlin’s future in Pittsburgh ahead of Ravens clash

Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. The winner will take over the lead in the AFC North and increase their chances of reaching the playoffs. The Steelers head coach faced backlash from fans during last week’s 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills, as chants of “Fire Tomlin” were heard throughout the game at Acrisure Stadium.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero appeared on Friday’s episode of “The Rich Eisen Show” and shared his perspective on the coaching situation in Pittsburgh.

“They’re tied for first place in the AFC North,” Pelissero said. “I know they’ve lost five of their last seven games here, but they still have two matchups with the team they’re tied with. Let’s see how these next five weeks go before we think about, you know, what the big picture is going to be. That’s five Decembers in a row that we’ve had some level of whether it was reports or speculation. We haven’t had, you know, the ‘Fire Tomlin’ chants and things like that. “

“But certainly, the impressions and feelings about Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh still seem to have not aligned with the opinions of Mike Tomlin nationally. I mean, he obviously has the streak of never finishing below 500. He’s also a guy who hasn’t won a playoff game since the Obama administration…”

According to Pelissero, the Steelers owner’s approach to head coaching decisions depends on two factors. First, if he trusts the coach, and second, if the coach always maintains control of the locker room. The NFL insider believes that Mike Tomlin still has the confidence of the locker room and that Art Rooney will not fire the Pittsburgh HC.

Mike Tomlin on singing “Fire Tomlin”

The Steelers fell to 6-6 after Sunday’s loss to the Bills. For the first time in 19 years, fans expressed their disappointment in Mike Tomlin with chants of “Fire Tomlin.” The head coach was asked to share his feelings on the negative reaction related to the post-game availability.

“I share their frustration tonight,” Tomlin said. “We haven’t done enough. That’s just the reality.”

On Tuesday, the Steelers coach added that he agreed with the fans. Tomlin said if you support Pittsburgh, entertaining them is winning and when you’re not winning, it’s not entertaining.

Pittsburgh will host the Ravens in the regular season finale. They have two relatively easier games down the stretch, against the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins. However, it’s their performance against the Lions and Ravens that will decide their playoff fate.