Ian Rapoport: Dismissing Mike Tomlin is Completely Ridiculous
Insights from Ian Rapoport suggest that the Pittsburgh Steelers have no intention of dismissing head coach Mike Tomlin. During a segment on “NFL Gameday Kickoff,” Rapoport asserted, “Even discussing firing Mike Tomlin is completely ridiculous.” He emphasized that owner Art Rooney is unlikely to make such a decision due to Tomlin’s significant contribution to the team.
Tomlin’s Standing Despite Fan Discontent
Following the Steelers’ disappointing 26-7 home defeat to the Buffalo Bills, the crowd expressed their frustration. Fans chanted “Fire Tomlin” and voiced their displeasure with boos during key moments. However, Rapoport believes that these reactions do not reflect Tomlin’s true value as a coach.
Rapoport’s View on Tomlin’s Coaching Ability
- Rapoport stated, “Mike Tomlin is one of the best coaches in the NFL.”
- Tomlin’s track record includes a Super Bowl championship and the distinction of not having a losing season throughout his career.
- Rapoport mentioned that if Tomlin were available, he would be quickly hired by another team.
Despite this, some argue that Tomlin’s record raises questions. The Steelers have missed the playoffs several times in recent years, including in 2012, 2013, 2018, 2019, and 2022. Their struggles in advancing past the postseason highlight the ongoing debate about his coaching effectiveness.
No Trade Possibility for Tomlin
Rapoport further dismissed the idea of a potential coaching trade, even one involving the New York Giants. He remarked, “I don’t see any situation where there’s any sort of coach trade.” Rapoport suggested that if Tomlin’s tenure with the Steelers were to change, it would likely be due to personal reasons rather than a traditional firing. He believes the Steelers still have ample time to turn their season around.
In the current AFC landscape, the Steelers find themselves in contention for a playoff spot. However, this is largely due to the weaknesses displayed across the division, particularly within the AFC North. Fans will continue to scrutinize Tomlin’s leadership as they hope for improvement in the coming weeks.
