DOJO – Two of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ biggest icons — Ben Roethlisberger and James Harrison — are openly calling for the franchise to move on from longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, adding fuel to mounting speculation about major changes coming after the season. Their comments arrive as the Steelers’ playoff hopes fade and fan frustration hits a breaking point.
Roethlisberger Suggests a Fresh Start for Tomlin
On his Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast, the Hall-of-Fame–bound quarterback said he believes the coach’s 19-year run in Pittsburgh may have reached its natural end.
Roethlisberger stressed admiration for Tomlin but said the franchise needs a reset — and Tomlin might benefit from one, too.
“Maybe it’s a clean-house time… maybe it’s best for him, too,” Roethlisberger said, adding that Tomlin would be a “perfect fit” for Penn State, which is searching for a new coach after a disappointing 6–6 season.
According to Roethlisberger, Tomlin’s leadership and recruiting ability could turn Penn State into a national championship contender.
Harrison Says ‘Something Has to Be Done’
Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison, who played a decade under Tomlin and won Defensive Player of the Year in 2008, was even more direct.
On the Deebo and Joe podcast, Harrison criticized the team’s declining performances, saying players are not reaching their potential.
“I have never been a person that thought Coach Tomlin was a great coach… a good coach gets players to their potential. They’re not doing that,” Harrison said.
While acknowledging the Steelers’ tradition of stability, Harrison said the moment calls for a break from history:
“Something has to be done… I think it’s time that history be made.”
Steelers Fans Turn Up the Pressure
The Steelers started 4–1 but have since slid to 6–6, leading to loud boos and “Fire Tomlin!” chants during Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. Pittsburgh has not won a playoff game since 2017 and hasn’t topped the AFC North since 2020, despite Tomlin’s outstanding career record and zero losing seasons.
Tomlin, 53, has 189 wins, the 11th-most in NFL history, and owns the best winning percentage in franchise history (.625). Still, both former stars believe a respectful breakup is the best path forward.
Roethlisberger Calls for a Mutual Exit
Roethlisberger made it clear he does not want Tomlin fired. Instead, he suggested an “agreement” similar to past transitions from legends Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher.
“You don’t fire a guy like Coach Tomlin… you come to an understanding that it’s best for everyone to start over,” Roethlisberger said.
The two Steelers greats agree that Tomlin deserves a statue — but also believe it’s time for someone new to lead the next 20-year chapter in Pittsburgh.
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