Mike Tomlin dismisses claims Steelers are ‘stuck’, pushes back on potential trades to different teams

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most popular franchises in the NFL, having won six Super Bowls in their history. But in recent years, the franchise has become accustomed to flaming in the postseason.

Mike Tomlin has been at the helm since 2006 and has coached the team to one of those Super Bowl titles. It’s been eight years since Tomlin led the team to a playoff victory, even though he didn’t end up with a regular season losing record.

The Steelers are one of the most stable franchises in the league, having only had three head coaches over the past five decades. However, his recent lack of success in the playoffs has raised some concerns about whether Tomlin will be able to stay in the position.

However, Tomlin shrugged when asked if he thought the Steelers were “stuck” after being swept by the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

“It’s a feeling of being stuck and helpless,” the longtime NFL coach said. “And I don’t know how to feel helpless.”

Steelers George’s picks after the game loss and the Ravens gave a wonderful comment

Tomlin acknowledged the disappointment everyone involved with the Steelers felt following their previous playoff exit. “I certainly don’t feel like selling optimism or optimism,” he said. “I don’t know if that’s appropriate. You know, it’s unfortunate that we didn’t do it. And that’s where we are.”

And while changes are certainly coming to the coaching staff — most likely on defense during the Steelers’ five-game free playoff season — Tomlin doesn’t appear to be going anywhere as he enters his first season in three years. The extension he signed last June.

Tomlin believes he has the potential to “help end Pittsburgh’s longest playoff drought” since a “clean sweep” a half-century ago.

However, entering his third season in four years, he found himself questioning the quarterback. Skylar Thompson, who signed with the Steelers on Tuesday, is the only quarterback under contract through the 2025 season. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen — who all played through the 2024 season — are all scheduled to become free agents when the new league year begins in March.

With Wilson and Fields both expressing interest in returning and Tomlin saying the team is “open to considering those guys,” there’s a chance 2025 could start as a fifth Week 1 starter in as many seasons.

Although the offense has improved — especially in the middle of a season where Wilson has won six of his first seven starts — the Steelers are averaging 14.2 points in their last game, not enough to make the playoffs or beyond.

Tomlin admits he understands growing discontent among fans during what might best be described as the team’s “Groundhog Day” era.

“I understand the frustration,” he said. “And to be honest, I share it.”

The 12th winningest coach in NFL history — he’ll become 10th if the Steelers win at least eight games by 2025 — doesn’t believe the message has lost its effectiveness, because he believes it’s just a small part of the job. Most are in shape, preparation and skill development and he believes the team has improved in those ways.

“I am and have been open to adapt and change,” he said. “And so it’s not a new conversation. I’m not doing the same things over and over again.”

Click here to access the FOX NEWS app

While Tomlin will continue to try to be part of the solution in Pittsburgh, teams with open positions questioning his willingness to move on should bide their time.

“I have no message,” Tomlin replied Pittsburgh Post-Gazette When asked if he has a message for any team looking to get him in the trade. “Take your time.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s Sports coverage by Xand subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newspaper.