The Pittsburgh Steelers are in great danger of missing the boat to the playoffs entering Week 17 of the season, and for FOX Sports’ Jason Whitlock, there’s one person largely to blame for the team’s debacle and late-season collapse: Mike Tomlin.

“The Steelers are sloppy. They turn the ball over at an alarming rate. They are constantly involved in headline-making distractions. They are not good in situational football. They have lost 10-straight coach’s challenges. Their offense is imbalanced – they rely too much on the pass. Their head coach and franchise quarterback often seen to be on different pages. Can Mike Tomlin fix all that next season? I don’t think so. Not in Pittsburgh, there’s too much history. A culture has been established that Tomlin cannot repair in a single offseason.”

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) runs the ball in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings.
Steelers news: Pittsburgh native would love to sign with SteelersBen Strauss ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before an NFL football matchup
Steelers coach speaks up on Aaron Rodgers’ blunt approach on WRsAlex House ·
Pittsburgh Pirates former right fielder and 1978 MVP Dave Parker looks on during a ceremony honoring the 1979 World Series team before the Pirates host the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park.
Steelers send message to Pirates after Dave Parker’s deathAbdullah Imran ·
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin answers questions from the medianduring the NFL Annual League Meeting at The Breakers.
Mike Tomlin’s leadership put into question by Steelers legendSteve Silverman ·
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Steelers rumors: NFL Insider hints at Mike Tomlin’s firing amid desperationBenedetto Vitale ·
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts after a catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
George Pickens replaced by Steelers star at Pittsburgh youth camp he bailed onBen Strauss ·

Whitlock also singled out a crucial play during the Steelers’ 31-28 gut punch of a road loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 16 to further question whether Mike Tomlin deserves to remain as head coach of the team. That’s the fake punt that the Steelers called and ultimately failed in executing late in the contest.

The Steelers can still sneak into the playoffs, but that happening is no longer entirely in their own hands. For them to have a game schedule beyond Week 17, they need to beat the Cincinnati Bengals this coming weekend and hope that the Cleveland Browns take down the Baltimore Ravens.

Of course, Tomlin and the Steelers can silence their critics by making and going deep in the playoffs. Until then, they can expect to hear more from Whitlock.