Steelers Legends Suggest Mike Tomlin for Penn State Role

Two prominent figures from the Pittsburgh Steelers have voiced their opinions regarding the future of head coach Mike Tomlin, with former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hinting that Tomlin could be a suitable candidate for the vacant head coaching position at Penn State. This speculation arises as the Steelers face a challenging season, currently holding a record of 6-6 after starting strong with four wins in their first five games.

During a recent episode of his podcast, “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger,” the former star quarterback suggested a change might be beneficial for both Tomlin and the Steelers. “Maybe it’s a clean-house time. Maybe it’s time,” Roethlisberger stated. He expressed continued respect for Tomlin but emphasized that a fresh start could be advantageous. “You know what he would do in Penn State? He would probably go win national championships, because he’s a great recruiter.”

This discussion comes on the heels of a disappointing season for the Nittany Lions, who finished with a record of 6-6 and are currently searching for a replacement for former head coach James Franklin, who was dismissed in October. Their recent target, Kalani Sitake, has opted to remain at Brigham Young University (BYU), extending Penn State’s coaching search.

The Steelers’ struggles have intensified fan discontent, particularly following a lackluster home defeat against the Buffalo Bills. Fans expressed their frustration by booing and chanting “Fire Tomlin!” during the game. This sentiment was echoed by former linebacker James Harrison, who played under Tomlin for ten seasons. On his podcast, “Deebo and Joe,” Harrison declared, “Something has to be done,” and expressed his belief that Tomlin may not be a “great coach.”

Harrison elaborated, stating, “A good coach gets you to play to your potential. And right now, the players we have on that team, I have seen play; they’re not playing up to their potential.” Despite acknowledging Tomlin’s historical success—five consecutive Pro Bowl selections for Harrison during his tenure—he insisted that the current situation warrants change.

While the Steelers have a reputation for stability in their coaching ranks, Harrison believes now is the time to break that mold. “I know the Steelers historically don’t move on from coaches,” he said. “But I think it’s time that history be made.”

Roethlisberger offered a different perspective, suggesting that the Steelers should not terminate Tomlin’s contract outright. Instead, he proposed that both parties reach a mutual agreement to part ways. “Here’s what you don’t do: you don’t fire a guy like Coach Tomlin,” he emphasized. “He’s a Hall of Fame head coach, he’s respected. What you do is come to an understanding and agreement.”

Tomlin, who is currently 53 years old, has amassed 189 regular-season wins, ranking him 11th in NFL history. His winning percentage of .625 is the best in franchise history. However, the Steelers have not claimed the AFC North title since 2020 and have not won a playoff game since January 2017.

As discussions about the future of the Steelers’ coaching staff unfold, Roethlisberger noted the importance of acknowledging Tomlin’s contributions to the franchise. “Coach Tomlin’s been here a long time,” he said. “You’d give him a statue, whatever you’ve got to do, because he deserves it, he’s earned it. But it’s time to find that next guy. Who’s that next guy that could be here for the next 20 years?”

The ongoing debates concerning Tomlin’s future reflect broader tensions within the organization as it seeks to navigate a challenging season and rejuvenate its competitive edge.