NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

Time Is Running Out For Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin

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Mike Tomlin

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had three coaches since 1969:  Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin. The organization doesn’t like to change coaches even after a bad year, but I feel like Tomlin could be gone before he reaches 10 years in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers are 3-3 after a three-game stretch that saw them blow a lead at home and lose to a winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers team, barely hold off a winless Jacksonville Jaguars team on the road and get crushed by the Cleveland Browns. They have gone 8-8 the past two years and they seem headed to another .500 season under Tomlin — if they’re lucky.

The Steelers have a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger), a running back (Le’Veon Bell) well on pace to get over 1,000 yards and a receiver (Antonio Brown) on his way to another 1,000-yard season. Take all of that, then look at the fact the Steelers have scored just two offensive touchdowns in their past two games. The offense is wildly inconsistent and they can’t score touchdowns in the red zone.

Why is Tomlin to blame? Three years ago, Tomlin, along with Steelers management, got rid of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. Ever since that move, it’s been downhill for the offense. They brought in Todd Haley to lead the offense, but all he has brought is a short passing game and a penchant to disagree with Roethlisberger.

Another reason why Tomlin should be gone is the defensive woes that have followed his team over the past two and a half years. The Steel Curtain is a far cry from the defense they put on the field these days. The Steelers are giving up more than 110 yards a game on the ground. This is a defense that’s used to not allowing a single 100-yard rushing performance against them the entire season.

The defense is giving up 23 points a game this season and have given up 26 or more points four times. The secondary is a mess, so even the Brian Hoyers of the world can pick them apart. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has been referred to as a defensive genius for his 3-4 defense and its many different looks. For years, LeBeau brought the blitz, pressured the passer and stopped the run. This year, the Steelers’ rushing defense stinks and they have all of nine sacks.

LeBeau is trying to run the same defense without the same talent. Troy Polamalu is old and slower, the cornerbacks aren’t very good, and the linebackers aren’t getting to the quarterback. The team may want to change its scheme to get the most out of its players, instead of trying to mold those players into its scheme.

For years, Steelers fans have harped about Tomlin being a players’ coach. He has repeatedly denied that speculation, but after this season’s antics, I’m not so sure it isn’t true. From the numerous post-play penalties, to the decision to throw the ball to Antonio Brown so he could keep his streak of five catches and 50 yards alive, this team seems more interested in personal records and stats than actually winning games.

The lack of discipline, the constant penalties and the lack of accountability make it seem like the Steelers are running a health spa for these guys. Something has to change or the losing will continue.

If there is one thing the Steelers are consistent about, it’s failing to change gears. Regardless of who is on staff, these coaches seem obsessed with continuing to do the same things over and over again. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and hoping for different results. Well, according to that, the Steelers’ coaches are insane.

I know the Steelers don’t like to change head coaches, but it may be time to consider moving on from Tomlin. If they get rid of him, Haley and LeBeau should join him in the unemployment line.

Nate Vandergrift is a Pirates writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter@natevandergrift, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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