Steelers' Tomlin: 'I don't make excuses for failure'

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is embracing the criticism regarding the conclusion to Pittsburgh's season.

"I understand the nature of what it is that we do, the attention and criticism that comes with it," Tomlin said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Brian Batko. "I embrace it, to be honest with you. I enjoy the urgency that comes with what I do and what we do.

"I don't make excuses for failure, I own it. But I also feel like I'm capable. As long as I'm afforded an opportunity to do that, I'll continue. But I certainly understand their frustrations."

Pittsburgh lost its final four regular-season games and was bounced out of the playoffs after a 28-14 first-round loss to division rivals the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers finished their 2024 campaign with a 10-7 record for the second consecutive year and haven't advanced past the wild-card round since 2017.

Tomlin welcomes the sense of urgency while many fans question whether he remains the right person to lead the Steelers after his 18th season on Pittsburgh's sideline.

"There's football justice. You get what you deserve. We're here, and we're here for real tangible reasons," Tomlin said, according to The Athletic's Mike DeFabo.

Tomlin confirmed to DeFabo that changes to the roster are inevitable but would not address the possibility of a shakeup on the Steelers' coaching staff.

Among the biggest roster questions facing the Steelers is what they will do at quarterback. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen are set to become free agents this offseason. Wilson, who went 6-6 across the regular season and playoffs, has said he wants to return in 2025.

Tomlin also expressed confidence that Fields would be capable of leading the Steelers if Wilson doesn't return. The 2021 11th overall pick led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 mark as a starter before ceding the role to Wilson.

The Steelers' recent playoff struggles and disappointing endings to their seasons have increased speculation about Tomlin's job security.

Tomlin, 52, shot down rumors of a potential trade after an unidentified team reportedly inquired about his availability and was informed about the coach's no-trade clause, according to Steelers Depot's Alex Kozora.

"I have no message. Save your time," Tomlin responded when asked what he'd say to other teams looking into his availability, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

The Steelers are 183-107-2 and won Super Bowl XLIII during Tomlin's tenure. The club has finished with a .500 or better win-loss percentage each season since he was hired in 2007.