Steelers Crushed By Texans: National Reaction To Another Playoff Pummeling

PITTSBURGH, PA — The fact that the Steelers were dismantled in yet another playoff game on Monday almost appears secondary to the future of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, who has coached the team for nearly two decades.

In the wake of a humbling 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium, the Steelers' seventh consecutive playoff defeat in blowout fashion, many national football writers instead focused on Tomlin's fate. Although Tomlin has never had a non-winning season, he also has gone nearly a decade without guiding the team to a playoff win.

That's enough to get most coaches fired.

Will he be back for the 2026 season? Here's what football experts are saying:

• Brooke Pryor, ESPN: "Tomlin is under contract for at least one more year with a decision on the club's 2027 option due by March 1. Though it would break precedent for the organization with only three head coaches since 1969 to part ways with Tomlin, the franchise undoubtedly arrives at yet another crossroads this offseason as the team continues to roil in mediocrity -- good enough to reach the playoffs, not great enough to make it past the first weekend."

• Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: "(The Steelers) haven't won a postseason game since the 2017 season, when Ben Roethlisberger was still under center. That prolonged lack of playoff success has pushed the Steelers to a crossroads, and it wouldn't be surprising if this loss proves to be the one that finally breaks the camel's back for the NFL's longest-tenured head coach."

• Sports Illustrated: "It's time for the Steelers and Mike Tomlin to go their separate ways. Pittsburgh and Tomlin haven’t won a playoff game since beating the Chiefs in the divisional round in 2016. That’s now 10 years of mediocrity. To make matters worse, the Steelers have an old defense and will soon be searching for a new quarterback, and they should even if Rodgers decides to return next season."

• Daniel Mader, Sporting News: "Until there's official word from the Steelers, Tomlin's job can't be

considered safe. Pittsburgh has struggled to maintain its status as an AFC power in the last decade despite continually sneaking into the playoffs...Fields and Kenny Pickett in recent years. Firing Tomlin could help the Steelers buy into a full franchise reset, something they may need to finally commit to."