Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Defying Odds With a Message That Never 'Got Stale'

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the definition of stability when it comes to head coaches, having only three since 1969. Mike Tomlin is entering his 18th season as the head coach of the Steelers, during which he has won a Super Bowl and never had a losing season. However, despite the stability and non-losing continuity, there are those who believe Tomlin is past his expiration date in the Steel City. While that may be the opinion of some, Ramon Foster is adamant that Tomlin hasn't lost a step.

Tomlin was the head coach for Foster during all 11 seasons that he played in the NFL, and during that time, the former Steelers' offensive lineman heard more than a few locker room and training camp speeches. If there was any question as to whether Tomlin may have lost his ability to motivate the players on his roster, Foster wants to shut that notion down.

On the Ramon Foster Steelers Show Friday, Dejan Kovacevic and Foster covered Tomlin's extension, with Foster making sure there was no doubt as to Tomlin's impact on the locker room.

"The whole time I was there I don't think the message ever got stale, DK, you know what I'm saying? As far as coach Tomlin coaching us. As far as how we played... It never got stale. Sometimes, ya'll, you just lose, and sometimes you're just not good. And that could just be from Sunday to Sunday. It could be just, 'Man, this year wasn't our year,' "

The doubts were swirling almost everywhere during the Steelers' 2023 campaign, as the Matt Canada debacle only worsened and Kenny Pickett failed to take the forward leap the franchise was hoping for. A frustrating offensive approach, brutal injuries to the defense, and a general lack of consistency somehow became a Wild Card berth against the Buffalo Bills. Foster's point about Tomlin's message never getting stale certainly fits the narrative when you consider the challenge of finding success despite the situation.

After enduring 2023, Pittsburgh believes the franchise is set up for a successful 2024 season. Tomlin's NFL career was built on motivating his players and getting the most out of every inch of his roster. With the major upgrades to both sides of the ball during the 2024 offseason, Tomlin has the weapons and a new offensive coordinator that could steer the team back towards being NFL contenders again.

Steelers Will Need Tomlin Down The Stretch

The Steelers' 2024 schedule isn't particularly kind to them in the second half of the season. The league packed every single AFC North matchup Pittsburgh has into a small space, with their first divisional game occurring in mid-November. 

Things get worse when you throw into the mix a brutal three games that have the Steelers traveling to take on the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens before a Christmas Day home game against the defending Super Bowl champions, Kansas City Chiefs.

Tomlin is well aware of the challenge that is waiting for the Steelers during that difficult road to the playoffs. Pittsburgh was able to turn the frustrations of 2023 into some kind of success, and they are a much better football team than they were prior to the 2024 offseason. After a stellar 2024 NFL Draft that brought even more bulk and strength to the offensive line, it puts them in a position to run through defenses and then allow their own well-paid defensive stars to do what they do best: dominate.

The Steelers have seen what Tomlin can do with an injured team with no direction, so the expectations have been raised in Pittsburgh. However, rather than concern or pressure, Tomlin is poised to do what he always does and lead his roster through whatever is waiting for them.

What playoff seed will the 2024 Steelers end up getting?