In a twist before Week 18, insider Adam Schefter of ESPN creates trade rumors involving the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Speaking to the host, Mike Greenberg, Schefter speculated that teams with head coaching vacancies could call up the Steelers for a trade if the team was headed to the elimination in the playoffs.

On Jan. 6, Schefter addressed these rumors on the Pat McAfee Show, clarifying that such a trade would require Tomlin's approval due to a no-trade clause in his contract. He said that Pittsburgh has "zero" indication to trade Tomlin. While some teams appear to be interested in him, the Steelers are not open to such discussions.

Steelers' Consistency Under Tomlin Sparks Mixed Reactions

NFL Trade Rumors: Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin Stays Put NFL Trade Rumors: Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin Stays Put
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As Heavy.com reports, Schefter said in his initial comments that the calls for the trade were probably lopsided. He said, "There are teams wondering if they should inquire whether the Steelers would be willing to move on from Mike Tomlin."

Despite all that talk, in June 2024, the Steelers extended Tomlin's contract up to 2027. The season has been messy so far-starting off all promising and finishing all disappointing and frustrating for fans with the Steelers' late-season slide.

While some fans grow restless, the Steelers organization has a history of stability and hesitancy in making rash decisions. Many expect Tomlin to be the head coach in 2025, regardless of playoff outcome.

Kaboly Stands by Tomlin Legacy Amid Fan Growing Frustrations

Steelers beat reporter Mark Kaboly weighed in on the controversy, defending Tomlin against calls for his removal.

In a Jan. 6 column, Kaboly argued it's unfair to judge the veteran coach, a Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champion, based on four disappointing weeks.

"The Steelers are in a better position today than last year because of Tomlin. That's a fact," Kaboly said. He also listed some risks when Tomlin eventually leaves the Steelers, including roster turmoil and the process of rebuilding.

Kaboly believes 2025 is a little too soon in terms of such an extreme decision. "If the Rooneys decide to wait until after the 2026 season, and if it's more of the same, then nothing could or should save Tomlin," he wrote.

Why the Steelers Aren't Moving On Just Yet

Tomlin's track record and respect within the league are huge factors in the Steelers' decision-making. He is the NFL's longest-tenured coach, having led the team through tough transitions while keeping them competitive.

While some fans might be clamoring for change, Kaboly points out that Tomlin has done enough to be allowed to run out of his current contract. For now, it seems Pittsburgh's leadership will bet on Tomlin's ability to steer the franchise toward greater success in the seasons to come.

Despite trade rumors and growing frustrations from a segment of the fan base, Mike Tomlin remains firmly in charge of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The four-year contract that runs through 2027 does not seem to suggest otherwise; Pittsburgh is set to ride it out under consistent leadership rather than a knee-jerk reaction.

Meanwhile, former NFL scout John Middlekauff spoke to 3 & Out Podcast about Tomlin. He said that the Steelers should divorce soon with Tomlin. He also pointed out that the chemistry is not working anymore, and it needs to end for a change after 18 years.