Profitable Seasons ‘Not Sufficient Anymore:’ Plaxico Burress Believes Mike Tomlin Wants A ‘Contemporary Begin’

At this level, it appears principally sure that Mike Tomlin would be the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025. Whereas Tomlin has by no means had a dropping season, his current lack of success within the playoffs has individuals questioning if he and the Steelers ought to half methods. Former Steelers broad receiver Plaxico Burress believes that’s a good suggestion, even when he nonetheless has religion in Tomlin as top-of-the-line coaches within the NFL.

“I believe he’s a really clever, motivating soccer coach,” Burress mentioned just lately on his podcast, Up on Sport. “However whenever you take a look at the tradition of this group, the place they’re now, they misplaced to the Baltimore Ravens. No person actually anticipated for them to enter Baltimore and to win that soccer recreation. Does Mike Tomlin want a brand new begin? I’d say yeah. I actually would.”

Burress started his tenure with the Steelers when Invoice Cowher was the top coach, however he returned to them in 2012 to play a pair of seasons underneath Tomlin. Subsequently, he’s gotten a firsthand take a look at the type of coach Tomlin is. He doesn’t suppose Tomlin is a foul coach, however he additionally understands the Steelers have underachieved these days.

Their most up-to-date playoff recreation in opposition to the Ravens is an efficient instance of how the Steelers appear caught. They beat the Ravens earlier within the 12 months, however when video games mattered essentially the most, Baltimore crushed them. That’s purported to be their best rival, and but, the Steelers barely put up a battle in opposition to them of their final two matchups. Getting blown out within the playoffs has additionally grow to be a development underneath Tomlin.

Throughout that very same episode, Burress expanded upon his thought, explaining how he doesn’t essentially imagine Tomlin is the issue in Pittsburgh.

“I believe he is among the finest coaches in all of ball, by no means had a dropping season. However whenever you say that, you dangle your hat on by no means having a dropping season, it’s not sufficient anymore. That’s the craziest factor about him and what’s occurring within the NFL.

“Having profitable seasons isn’t sufficient anymore. You could have to have the ability to get to a championship and win a championship. And with the present group, take a look at the rosters that he’s had, and he’s been in a position to have all these profitable seasons. I believe he wants a recent begin.”

It feels like Burress believes Tomlin hasn’t achieved something to value him his job with the Steelers, however this marriage may need simply run its course. Tomlin’s capacity to will groups into the postseason has been spectacular. Nevertheless, that isn’t the usual in Pittsburgh. Going one-and-done within the playoffs isn’t adequate.

It’s not like groups haven’t let go of fantastic coaches prior to now both. Andy Reid has constructed a dynasty with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs after the Philadelphia Eagles fired him. Pete Carroll gained a Tremendous Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks years after being fired by the New England Patriots. The Eagles and Patriots additionally each gained Tremendous Bowls after transferring on from these coaches. In each situations, it was higher to maneuver on.

That may be the case for Tomlin and the Steelers. Tomlin seemingly wouldn’t be jobless for lengthy. He may even lead his new group to a Tremendous Bowl. Nevertheless, the Steelers may additionally break the present cycle their caught in. It may be robust to improve over Tomlin, however the Steelers have solely had three head coaches since 1969 for a motive.

If the Steelers fail to win a playoff recreation in 2025, it may be time to entertain Burress’ thought. The Steelers shouldn’t be happy with mediocrity. Possibly chopping ties with Tomlin is a mistake, nevertheless it ought to at the least be an choice if their postseason woes proceed.