Mike Tomlin Expects Steelers to Make 'A Lot' of Changes After 5-Game Losing Streak

If Tuesday's press conference from head coach Mike Tomlin was any indication, the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to look quite different during the 2025 season.

But not at head coach.

"I have a feeling that a lot of things are going to change around here," Tomlin told reporters.

That naturally led to questions about the quarterback position since both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set for free agency this offseason. Tomlin didn't close the door on bringing back either or both, but he also didn't confirm they will return.

"We are certainly open to considering those guys, but we have a lot of work ahead of us," he said.

Both quarterbacks have publicly expressed their desire to return to the Steelers, but it seems like the team will keep its options open. While Fields went 4-2 as a starter to open the year when Wilson was sidelined, Tomlin turned to the veteran and relied on him for the rest of the season and during the Wild Card Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Yet the offense sputtered down the stretch and failed to reach the 20-point mark in any of the final five games, which were all losses.

That five-game losing streak that included another early playoff exit to end the season also brought Tomlin's future with the Steelers under the spotlight. However, he told reporters "I have no message, save your time," when asked about other teams potentially trading for him.

The comments come after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday that one team called Pittsburgh to ask about trading for the coach just to be told he has a no-trade clause.

"A loss like last night's might further teams to look into it," Schefter said. "Pittsburgh hasn't given any indication that it wants to move on from Mike Tomlin, and this has been the most patient franchise, not just in football, but maybe sports."

Tomlin is considered one of the best coaches in the sport and has started his career with a league-record 18 consecutive non-losing seasons. He also has a Super Bowl ring and has maintained the organization as one of the most consistent in sports throughout various roster constructions.

Still, the Steelers have now lost in the AFC Wild Card Round in four of the last five years. Their last playoff win came during the 2016 campaign.

It seems like the organization has settled into a pattern of being good enough to reach the playoffs but not special enough to compete with the NFL's best once it arrives. That has naturally led to some frustration from fans looking for more.

"I don't make excuses for failure," Tomlin said. "I own it. But I also feel like I'm capable. As long as I'm afforded an opportunity to do that, I'll continue. But I certainly understand their frustrations. Probably more important than that, I share it."

That frustration could lead to changes this offseason.