Steelers Coaching Under Fire: ESPN Drops the Hammer on Tomlin and Austin

If you’ve been around long enough in Steelers Nation, you’ve likely heard it all—from blind loyalty to brutal criticism. But one thing that can no longer be sugarcoated? The growing cracks in Pittsburgh's coaching staff, especially under head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.

This isn’t just another round of fan frustration. ESPN finally pulled back the curtain and dropped some truth bombs that Steelers fans—and maybe even the front office—need to hear loud and clear. The sports media giant recently ranked all 32 NFL coaching staffs, and Pittsburgh, once sitting high at No. 7 in 2024, plummeted to a lukewarm No. 15 in 2025. That’s a fall worth talking about.

Tomlin: Still a Fighter, But at What Cost?

Let’s be clear: There’s no question that Mike Tomlin is a leader you want in your corner. ESPN was right to praise his unwavering grit. From training camp in August to playoff battles in February, few head coaches command as much locker room respect and in-game intensity. Tomlin has a legacy of teams that grind harder, stay tougher, and fight longer than they should on paper.

But here’s the problem—the modern NFL isn’t just about heart. It’s about results, adaptability, and above all else, quarterback play. And on that front, Tomlin’s track record has some serious holes.

Let’s Talk Quarterback Blind Spots

In today's NFL, quarterback is everything. You either invest heavily and wisely in that position, or you're left scrambling with journeymen and draft reaches. The Steelers’ consistent "just-good-enough" approach to quarterbacks under Tomlin’s watch has become not only tired—but costly. ESPN nailed this point, calling out Tomlin's shared role in the organization’s stopgap quarterback strategy.

Pittsburgh hasn’t fully committed to elite QB development or acquisition since Big Ben’s twilight years, and that’s not just on the front office. Tomlin's reluctance to push for a high-risk, high-reward quarterback move—either through aggressive trades, draft-day deals, or a major free agency splash—has left this team operating on offense like it’s still 2008.

Defense: Expensive, But Underwhelming

While ESPN threw some flowers Tomlin’s way, they also offered a confusing compliment to defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. That’s where we draw the line.

Look, Austin inherited a gold-plated defense when he took over in 2022. Pittsburgh has the most expensive defensive unit in the entire NFL. You’d expect dominance. You’d expect results. What we’ve actually seen? A defense that’s often pedestrian and sometimes downright disappointing.

Let’s put that in perspective—when you’re spending that kind of cash, you expect the best defense in the league, not one that occasionally flashes and often folds in big moments.

Steelers Defense: All Bark, Minimal Bite

The stats don’t lie. Over the last three seasons, Pittsburgh’s defense hasn't consistently ranked in the top echelon where it should. Sure, there have been splash plays—T.J. Watt’s game-wrecking moments and Minkah Fitzpatrick’s timely turnovers. But the structure, the execution, the consistency? It's been missing.

And that falls squarely on Austin. You can’t keep trotting out a Rolls Royce defense and getting Toyota Corolla performance. Whether it’s poor in-game adjustments, over-reliance on veteran leadership, or an inability to develop younger players in the secondary, the results just don’t match the resources.

Why Has It Taken So Long for This Reality Check?

The bigger question here might be—why has it taken national outlets like ESPN this long to say what a large segment of the fan base has been screaming for years? The Steelers haven’t lived up to their historical standard in quite some time, especially considering the talent they’ve stockpiled on both sides of the ball.

Part of the reason is the “Tomlin Aura.” He’s one of the few NFL coaches who’s never posted a losing season. That’s impressive, no doubt. But what it’s also done is shield him—and his staff—from legitimate scrutiny.

No More Excuses. No More “It’s Fine.”

The truth is, being consistently above average doesn’t win Super Bowls. And the Steelers haven’t sniffed serious contention in quite a while. If Pittsburgh wants to avoid becoming the Dallas Cowboys of the AFC—always in the conversation, never in the hunt—then real accountability has to start now.

Coaching is the one area where the team has gotten a pass for far too long. Whether it’s stubbornness in scheme, refusal to adapt to modern offensive trends, or misplaced confidence in marginal quarterbacks, the coaching staff has made choices that keep the Steelers on the edge—but not in the spotlight.

The Path Forward: What Needs to Change?

1. Quarterback Commitment: Whether it's a high-profile trade or a true franchise QB drafted with top resources and coaching, the Steelers need to stop settling at the position.

2. Defensive Accountability: Teryl Austin either needs to dramatically improve or the team needs to look for a DC who can actually get top-tier results from a top-dollar unit.

3. Modernization of Offense: The league has evolved. High-powered, creative offenses are dominating. It’s time Pittsburgh gets out of its comfort zone and builds a unit that can put up points consistently.

4. More Aggressive In-Season Adjustments: Tomlin’s loyalty to players and systems is admirable but outdated. Flexibility and boldness must replace predictability.

Final Thoughts: Still Time, But Not Much

Let’s not pretend the Steelers are in some massive rebuild—they're not. This is a team that’s just a few smart moves and coaching changes away from real contention. But continuing to mask the coaching issues with platitudes about grit and toughness only delays the inevitable.

Mike Tomlin’s legacy is solid. He’s one of the best motivators in the league and a master at rallying his troops. But motivation isn’t enough anymore. It’s time for him—and the rest of this staff—to prove they can win smart, not just fight hard.

ESPN’s ranking drop might just be the wake-up call Pittsburgh didn’t know it needed. Hopefully, they’re listening. Because the clock is ticking, and in the AFC, no one waits for you to catch up.