Steelers make decision on firing Mike Tomlin amid calls to sack legendary HC during tumultuous 2025 season

Pittsburgh is fighting to stay alive in the AFC playoff race. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who has been the face of stability for nearly two decades, is at the center of debate among fans.

Despite fan frustration, Tomlin isn’t going anywhere, at least not yet. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday that Pittsburgh has no plans of firing him this season. However, with a contract clause allowing the team to reevaluate things after the campaign, big decisions could come in 2026.

Adam Schefter

@AdamSchefter

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not going to fire coach Mike Tomlin, but they do have a significant decision to make early next year based on the option year in his contract, sources tell ESPN. More:

Tomlin’s contract situation adds another layer to the conversation surrounding his future. The veteran coach will still be under contract for 2026, and the Steelers will have a team option to keep him through 2027. The organization has until March 1 to decide whether to exercise the option.

Pittsburgh hasn’t fired a head coach since Bill Austin in 1968. However, Tomlin’s postseason drought continues to draw scrutiny despite having of the NFL’s longest streaks without a losing season across his 18-year tenure.

Tomlin is the longest-serving head coach in any of the four major North American sports leagues, but his run might be nearing its end. The Steelers reportedly plan to hold an end-of-season meeting to evaluate his future and decide whether to continue with him.

Mike Tomlin's Steelers prepare for a must-win Week 14 game against the Ravens

Sunday’s clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens carry significant weight in the AFC North. Both teams enter Week 14 with the same record, and the winner will move into first place in the division.

Pittsburgh’s season has taken a sharp turn, falling from a 4-1 start to 6-6 after a run of poor results. However, Mike Tomlin and his team still control their playoff fate.

A win over Baltimore would be a huge momentum shift for Pittsburgh, handing the Ravens their second AFC North loss. It will also improve the Steelers to 3-1 against divisional rivals, and gives them the edge in the tiebreaker.

Pittsburgh has been inconsistent lately, and it will take a full-team effort to snap the trend, especially against its rivals. If the team manages to do that, its postseason hopes and chances to claim the division would rise sharply.