Mike Tomlin’s Coaching Future in Doubt; Ravens LB Frustrated by Steelers Defeats
Mike Tomlin’s coaching future has become a topic of speculation among NFL fans and analysts. A notable voice in the conversation is Hall of Famer Ronde Barber. Barber suggests that Tomlin may be nearing the end of his head coaching career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Is Mike Tomlin Done Coaching?
Barber addressed the situation during a recent video stream, revealing that he had a candid conversation with Tomlin last year. According to Barber, Tomlin mentioned considering 2025 as potentially his final coaching year. He stated, “I think he’s done. I think he wants to be done.” This statement has prompted many to question whether Tomlin will take a year off or retire outright.
Tomlin’s history with Barber dates back to Barber’s playing days. The two have maintained a close friendship since Barber’s career began in the NFL while Tomlin was the defensive backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Barber expressed that he wanted to be present for Tomlin’s last game, which occurred in Houston after a loss against the Steelers.
Ravens’ Frustration with Steelers Defeats
On the other side, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy has openly expressed his disappointment following the Ravens’ 8-9 season, particularly their losses to the Steelers. Van Noy participated in a podcast where he revealed his frustration, stating, “We let a 42-year-old (Aaron Rodgers) wax us twice.” He reflected on the impact of these losses, emphasizing that they were pivotal in the Ravens’ inability to secure a playoff spot.
During a game on January 4, the Steelers scored 23 points in the second half, leading to a significant defeat for the Ravens that ultimately knocked them out of playoff contention. Van Noy acknowledged that the Ravens fell short, admitting that they “weren’t a good football team” either, underscoring the mutual struggles of both teams last season.
Upcoming Challenges in Pittsburgh Sports
As the Pittsburgh sports scene unfolds, attention shifts to upcoming matchups for the city’s teams. The Penguins recently ended a three-game losing streak with a victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, which has boosted their playoff hopes.
Penguins’ Performance
- Latest Game: Penguins win 6-3 against the Flyers.
- Sydney Crosby scores 25th goal of the season.
- Penguins currently ranked third in the Metropolitan Division.
Looking Ahead
The Penguins’ next game is against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are also aiming for a playoff spot. Both teams have a competitive history this season, with their previous matchups having gone into overtime.
College Basketball Update
In college basketball, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers are set to face the Louisville Cardinals, following a recent home win over Georgia Tech. Meanwhile, the Duquesne men’s team will battle Fordham, as they seek to break their losing streak in away games.
The upcoming weekends promise action across multiple sports in Pittsburgh, keeping fans engaged as coaching futures and team performances remain under scrutiny.
