Three things are a guarantee in the world today: Death, Texas, and Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin not having a losing season. With a 44-38 road victory earlier today over the Cincinnati Bengals, Tomlin set an NFL record. It was his 18th consecutive season without a losing record. That is the longest streak to begin a coaching career in league history. Today’s win was not only historic for the head coach but also for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was Pittsburgh’s 21st straight non-losing season. This tied the Dallas Cowboys streak from 1965-1985.
Tomlin took the helm of the Steelers in 2007 and has a career record of 182-103-2. He has two Super Bowl appearances and won Super Bowl XLIII against the Arizona Cardinals. He also has a career record of 8-10. With an NFL Playoff spot essentially locked up, will Tomlin be able to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers on a deep playoff run this year?
2024 May Be Tomlin’s Best Coaching Job Yet
Mike Tomlin has STILL never had a losing season pic.twitter.com/juvFWcHeDl
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 1, 2024
Tomlin’s winning season streak is discussed heavily each offseason as pundits sound off if this is the year when the Steelers finally finish with a losing record. With that being said, the odds were stacked against Tomlin’s team in 2024. The team entered the season with an uncertain quarterback situation. The Steelers signed both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson during the offseason. The job seemed like Wilson’s until he suffered a calf strain in Training Camp in July. This injury set the stage for Fields to be Pittsburgh’s starter for the opening part of the season, and he made the most of the opportunity.
Fields was the team’s starter for the first six weeks of the regular season and the team went 4-2 during his stint. That was when Tomlin made the unpopular decision to turn the keys over to Wilson for Pittsburgh’s Week 7 game against the New York Jets. Wilson reinforced the head coach’s confidence by tossing two touchdown passes in the 37-15 drubbing over a New York team in freefall. Wilson’s performance, and the week of talking heads questioning the decision, led to Tomlin having arguably the best quote of his career. Following the game the head coach said, “That’s why I’m well-compensated.” Wilson has revitalized his career in the “Steel City” going 5-1 as the team’s quarterback.
Pittsburgh Is In Prime Playoff Position
The Pittsburgh Steelers lead the AFC North at 9-4 and will remain in the lead regardless of the result of the Baltimore Ravens-Philadelphia Eagles game this evening. Pittsburgh holds the head-to-head advantage after besting their rival 18-16 in Week 11. They will play again in Week 16 in Baltimore. Pittsburgh has a 99% chance to make the NFL Playoffs following Sunday’s win, but the team wants to ensure they win the division instead of settling for a wild-card spot. Hosting at least one playoff game will be an advantage for the team.
Final Thoughts
Even though Tomlin is one of the NFL’s best coaches, and is building a Hall of Fame candidacy, it has not been smooth sailing for him in Pittsburgh. Tomlin has come under fire in recent years for regular season success not translating to the postseason. The Pittsburgh Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016 and Tomlin is 5-8 in the playoffs since his Super Bowl victory.
He will look to reverse that narrative this season. It is never a good idea to count out the Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin when January rolls around. The NFL world will wait with bated breath as they see how Tomlin’s Steelers will navigate an AFC that is as deep as ever.
