Steelers insider reveals likely timeline for when Mike Tomlin could be fired
The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be stuck in a very average state as an organization. There are ups and downs throughout most seasons, and the 2025 campaign is no different. The franchise invested in the defensive side of the ball once again in the offseason, but the results have not been favorable. Despite a 4-3 record, things are falling apart quickly. One of the unit's most important members, DeShon Elliott, is also expected to be out for the remainder of the year. For a defensive guru like head coach Mike Tomlin, nothing is going right in the Steel City.
The Steelers are known for having one of, if not the most, loyal ownership groups in professional sports. Having just three head coaches since 1969 is a mind-blowing fact that is well-respected, but it also has a flaw. Pittsburgh refuses to make significant changes, and despite Tomlin's inability to win a postseason contest since the 2016 season, he remains on the sidelines.
Fans have expressed displeasure for several years now; however, Art Rooney II has refused to make the franchise-altering decision to let Tomlin go. It's a fact that he would be hired elsewhere very quickly, but sometimes change is best for both parties involved, as it did for the Philadelphia Eagles and Andy Reid.
In a fan chat on Tuesday, Steelers reporter and insider Ray Fittipaldo fielded questions from several concerned individuals. Someone chimed in to ask when Tomlin would finally be on the hot seat, and while the media's answer is typically "never," Fittipaldo offered a response different from some in the past.
"Probably when there is only a year left on his deal," Fittipaldo wrote.
While this may not be what some want to hear, it's the most realistic outcome. Tomlin signed a fresh three-year extension with Pittsburgh in 2024, so he is tied to the organization through the 2027 season. No one expects any significant changes during or after the current 2025 campaign. Still, if the struggles continue and the team underperforms in 2026, Rooney may let him go with one year remaining on that extension.
There is no denying how great a leader Tomlin is. He has an incredible personality that resonates with his locker room, but results speak louder than words. If the Steelers continue to fail at the ultimate goal — winning postseason games — a time will come to part ways.
The current frustration throughout the Steel City is warranted. Nothing seems to change, so a lot has stayed the same. Finishing at or above .500 shouldn't be accepted by anyone, Tomlin and Rooney included. The Steelers are known for winning Super Bowls, and they seem further away now than at any other time during Tomlin's tenure.
Steelers could lose Mike Tomlin if he decides to walk away
Pittsburgh has welcomed Tomlin for nearly two decades. There is always the possibility that he takes a step away from coaching for a year or two, as he could certainly be a mesmerizing media figure. He is young enough that jobs will be available to him when and if he were to desire coaching again. Overall, it's unexpected that any serious changes will be made until his contract is close to expiring.
Cowboys Trade for Myles Garrett Just Got a Lot More Likely After New Report
A notable NFL insider has offered up a detailed explanation for why the Dallas Cowboys making a blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett in the next week is very realistic.
After the Cleveland Browns gave superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett a four-year extension worth $160 million earlier this year, it seemed even more likely that the six-time Pro Bowler would actually finish his career in Cleveland. Then Week 8 happened.
On Sunday, Garrett had a game of a lifetime as he posted five sacks against the New England Patriots. However, it meant nothing as the Browns were still blown out by a score of 32-13. Garrett was seen enraged on the sidelines late in the game, and speculation grew louder that he could push for an exit like he reportedly did earlier this year.
However, many around the game believe his massive contract would make a trade very difficult. But, according to ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano, that may not necessarily be the case. He admits that trading Garrett now would mean a big dead cap hit to Cleveland in the years ahead. But various teams have taken on bigger cap hits while getting nothing in return.
“That’s a lot of dead money, but it’s not even close to the record,” Graziano writes. “The Broncos took on about $80 million when they cut Russell Wilson last year, and they made the playoffs last season and look poised to do so again. The Buccaneers are still carrying Tom Brady’s dead money and they won their division every season. We see teams do this more and more as the salary cap continues to rise significantly each year.”
Cowboys could create perfect draft scenario for Browns in Myles Garrett trade
Along with that, Graziano added that there are two other key factors in a potential trade before the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline. First, Garrett has to want it. Considering the Browns’ long-term outlook and where he would go in the deal, waiving his no-trade clause shouldn’t be a big problem. But Cleveland also must get an offer that makes it worth taking on all that dead money.
Well, the Cowboys are one of the few teams that can make the sort of offer the Browns would want, and that is two first-round picks in April, according to Graziano. After the Micah Parsons trade, they will have two first-rounders in 2026, and following his exit, they still have a desperate need for pass-rushing help this season and beyond.
- Myles Garrett stats: 8 games, 10 sacks, 31 tackles, 15 tackles for loss
“Cleveland would be looking at the possibility of having four first-round selections in the 2026 draft,” Graziano wrote. “The Browns would be able to completely control Round 1 and come out of it with whichever quarterback they wanted. The acquiring team would have to pay Garrett a fairly reasonable $31.5 million in fully guaranteed money in 2026 and about $30.5 million in 2027.”
Based on those details, it sure seems like a blockbuster Myles Garrett trade for the Dallas Cowboys is there for the taking if the star pass rusher really wants out. Especially since the Browns could have a franchise-changing draft next year from what they could get in the deal.
