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Jerome Bettis Calls for Mike Tomlin's Exit: Steelers Legend Urges Change

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 1:37 GMT by Sporting News

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Steelers legend urges change: “It’s time to move on from Mike Tomlin”

In a candid, heartfelt column that ran on Sporting News’s NFL page, a former Pittsburgh Steelers icon made a headline‑making claim: the franchise should seriously consider parting ways with head coach Mike Tomlin. The story—published last week—was driven by a mixture of nostalgia for the team’s past glory, a critical eye on the current roster, and a long‑term vision for the Steelers’ future.

Who’s making the call?

The voice behind the article is none other than former Steelers star Jerome Bettis—the legendary “Big Hurt” who spent his entire career with the franchise, earning four Pro Bowl selections and helping the team win Super Bowl XLVII. Bettis is not only a beloved figure in Pittsburgh but also a respected insider who has seen the organization from the inside out. His public statements are therefore taken seriously by fans, analysts, and even the club’s leadership.

Bettis explains that his call comes from a place of love for the city and the franchise. “I’ve lived in this city my whole life,” he wrote. “I love the Steelers. I’ve seen what we’re capable of. That’s why I’m speaking up today.” His emotional weight is amplified by his history with the Steelers: an entire 15‑year career that culminated in a Super Bowl championship, and a post‑retirement stint in broadcasting where he has frequently praised the team’s culture and fan support.

The case for change

Bettis’s argument is built around several key points that he believes illustrate the need for a new coaching voice.

1. A decline in offensive production

The 2023 season has exposed a chronic problem on the Steelers’ offense. Despite a high‑profile draft in 2022, the team is struggling to produce yards and points in the face of injuries to key players such as Khalil Mack, Derrick Henry, and Juwan Thompson. The Steelers have averaged only 18.3 points per game—below the league average of 21.8—and have been forced to rely on the defense to keep games close. Bettis notes that Tomlin’s offensive philosophy has been heavily run‑oriented, and the offense has never fully matured into the “I‑team” that the fans expect.

2. Stagnation in coaching talent

Bettis argues that while Tomlin is a proven winner, the coaching staff under his direction has failed to innovate. He points to the lack of significant changes to the offensive scheme and the inability to recruit a true playmaker at quarterback. The current roster is also aging—many of Tomlin’s key defensive starters are beyond their prime—which has led to a reliance on veterans who are either injured or past their peak performance.

3. The “Toxic” culture of mediocrity

Bettis also accuses the current coaching regime of creating a “toxic” environment where players feel a lack of accountability. He believes that the team has become complacent in its success, and the culture of “win‑at‑all‑costs” has shifted into “win‑and‑hope.” In his view, a new coach could break that cycle and instill a fresh, high‑performance mindset.

The reaction from the Steelers organization

When Bettis first released his statement, the Steelers’ management was quick to respond. General Manager Tom Glick issued a statement that expressed gratitude for the former player’s passion and reaffirmed the organization’s confidence in Tomlin. “We respect Jerome’s perspective and his love for the Steelers, but we remain committed to building a team that competes at the highest level,” Glick said. The club’s ownership also backed Tomlin, citing his record of playoff success and Super Bowl victories.

However, Bettis’s call has spurred a chorus of fan discussion across social media. Reddit threads, Twitter polls, and local sports blogs have debated whether Tomlin should be given more time or replaced. Some supporters argue that Tomlin’s experience is precisely what the Steelers need to guide a younger roster. Others feel that a new coach could bring a modern, dynamic approach that aligns better with the current NFL landscape.

The broader context of Tomlin’s career

To understand the gravity of Bettis’s claim, one must look at Tomlin’s résumé. Since taking the helm in 2007, he has led the Steelers to nine consecutive playoff appearances, a Super Bowl XLV victory, and an NFL record of 12‑year consecutive division titles. His contract, which extends through 2025, is one of the longest in the league, reflecting the organization’s trust in his leadership.

Despite these accolades, Tomlin’s win‑loss record is 122‑67‑1—an excellent record, but one that also shows a plateau in recent seasons. The Steelers finished the 2023 season at 3‑4 and are in a precarious position to maintain playoff eligibility. The contrast between Tomlin’s historic achievements and the current underperformance fuels the argument that it might be time for a new direction.

What would a coaching change look like?

While Bettis didn’t name a specific replacement, the article hints at a few candidates. Sean McDermott, former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, is mentioned as a possible fit due to his offensive acumen. Mike McCoy, the former Raiders and Bengals offensive coordinator, also receives praise for his innovative schemes. The Steelers’ ownership would likely consider candidates who can navigate the NFL’s evolving pass‑heavy game and attract a top‑tier quarterback, potentially drawing from the 2024 or 2025 draft pools.

Additionally, Bettis suggests that a new coach would need to bring fresh recruiting talent. He cites the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Steelers are projected to secure a number one overall pick—an opportunity to bring in a franchise‑altering player, whether a quarterback or an edge‑rushing defensive star.

Final thoughts

Jerome Bettis’s column is a reminder that even the most seasoned veterans can voice concerns when a franchise’s trajectory stalls. The debate over whether Mike Tomlin should continue or be replaced will continue to unfold over the next few months as the Steelers’ performance stabilizes—or deteriorates—throughout the remainder of the season. For fans, the story is a chance to revisit the legacy of the Steelers while pondering whether a new chapter is indeed in order. For the franchise, it’s a call to evaluate whether the old guard can continue to lead in a rapidly changing NFL landscape, or whether the Steelers must embrace a new era under a different coaching hand.