Former Steelers Pro Bowler says Mike Tomlin has ‘run stale’ in Pittsburgh

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One of Mike Tomlin’s biggest defenders has finally come around

No matter where you fall in the Mike Tomlin debate, it’s fair to say that Pittsburgh Steelers fans have a much better grasp on things than those on the outside looking in. Eight years without a playoff win has caused Tomlin’s approval rating to tank, and whatever goodwill he has left with fans is waning. Even one of Tomlin’s biggest defenders seems to think that it’s time for a change.

Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark has been Tomlin’s largest unwavering supporter in the national media. He said Tomlin is “Unfireable,” which in it of itself is a ludicrous statement that holds Tomlin to no accountability. However, in the same breath, Clark said it may be time for Tomlin and Pittsburgh to part ways.

“I believe Mike Tomlin should coach and be a fresh voice somewhere else,” Clark said on First Take. “As great as a coach he is, and he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer, I believe his voice has run stale there. I believe he’s allowed that team to reach the highest of heights they’re going to reach unless they can get a top-tier quarterback.”

It does look all but guaranteed the Steelers will be eyeing that top 10 quarterback Clark referenced in next year’s draft. The team’s painfully low ceiling has been evident over the last number of years, though. And while a lot of that can be attributed to the lack of a franchise quarterback, a good deal of it, too, can be put on Tomlin for his lack of progression and refusal to evolve. What 2025 is yet to be seen, but it feels unfortunately predictable, which is what Steelers fans have grown tired of.