Ben Roethlisberger calls for changes in Steelers organization, proposes Mike Tomlin should coach Penn State

The debate over Mike Tomlin's future as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers is intensifying, with voices from the Steelers past now weighing in. Among them is future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who spent 15 of his 18 NFL seasons under Tomlin and won two Super Bowls with him.

Speaking on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, Roethlisberger was candid about the state of the Steelers and Tomlins role. "Maybe its a clean-house time," he said. "I like Coach Tomlin and have a lot of respect for him. But maybe its best for him too."

He suggested that a new direction might benefit Tomlin, even hinting at another prestigious opportunity in Pennsylvania. "Maybe a fresh start for him is whats best," Roethlisberger continued. "Whether thats in the pros, maybe go be Penn State's head coach. Hed likely win national championships there because hes a great recruiter."

Roethlisbergers remarks follow Pittsburghs 26-7 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, which sparked "fire Tomlin" chants at Acrisure Stadium. Despite the setback, the Steelers remain in playoff contention at 6-6, tied with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North with two key games remaining.

Since Roethlisberger retired in 2021, the Steelers have struggled to find a quarterback capable of restoring their former dominance. Aaron Rodgers, now 42, is the latest to lead a struggling offense. While this issue isnt solely Tomlins fault, the call for change in Pittsburgh is growing after nearly two decades under his leadership.

"You dont fire a guy like Coach Tomlin. Hes a Hall of Fame coach," Roethlisberger said. "What you do is come to an understanding: maybe its best for both of us." He acknowledged the Steelers rare coaching stability, having had just three head coaches since 1969Chuck Knoll, Bill Cowher, and Tomlinleading to six Super Bowl victories.

Roethlisberger emphasized that even legendary coaches eventually reach a point where moving on makes sense. "It happened with Chuck Knoll. It happened with Coach Cowher. Coach Tomlin has been here a long time. He deserves a statue, but it may be time to find the next coach who could lead the team for the next 20 years."

He is not alone in his critique. Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison, a five-time Pro Bowler, has openly questioned Tomlins coaching, arguing that a truly great coach pushes players beyond their potential, something he feels the current team is not achieving under Tomlin.

Analysis: The Growing Debate on Mike Tomlin's Future in Pittsburgh

The debate surrounding Mike Tomlin's future as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers is intensifying, with notable figures from the team's past weighing in. Former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, a key part of Tomlin's success during his tenure, has raised the possibility that it might be time for a change. Roethlisberger, who played under Tomlin for 15 seasons and won two Super Bowls, suggested that a "clean-house" approach could benefit both Tomlin and the team. While he emphasized his respect for the coach, Roethlisberger hinted that a fresh start, possibly even at a program like Penn State, could offer Tomlin the opportunity to thrive in a new environment.

Roethlisberger's comments come in the wake of a disappointing 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills, which led to a wave of "fire Tomlin" chants from frustrated fans. Despite this, the Steelers remain in playoff contention, tied with the Baltimore Ravens at 6-6, with crucial games ahead. The focus, however, seems to have shifted to the leadership of Tomlin, who has been at the helm since 2007. His tenure, while marked by stability and success, has also faced increasing scrutiny in recent seasons, especially as the Steelers struggle to find a reliable quarterback to restore their former dominance.

While Roethlisberger's suggestion of moving on from Tomlin might seem extreme to some, his underlying point about change is a valid one. Even legendary coaches like Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher reached a point where stepping aside made sense for both the team and themselves. Roethlisberger is not alone in his critique; former linebacker James Harrison, another Steelers great, has questioned Tomlin's ability to push players to their fullest potential. Harrison's comments reflect a broader sentiment that Tomlin’s leadership might not be achieving the results that are expected from a team with the Steelers' history and talent.

The conversation around Tomlin’s future highlights the tension between maintaining stability and pursuing a new direction. With only a handful of games remaining in the season, Pittsburgh’s performance could ultimately determine whether the team decides to continue with Tomlin or seek a new coaching voice to lead them forward.

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• Ben Roethlisberger says it's 'clean house time,' suggests that Steelers coach Mike Tomlin should 'go be Penn State's head coach'