Colin Cowherd has become a prominent figure in sports media, often voicing opinions that reflect the sentiments of both fans and analysts. Recently, Cowherd criticized the Pittsburgh Steelers’ current trajectory, following their disappointing 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears. This defeat is significant as the Bears, led by a new head coach and a young quarterback, have been gaining momentum with an 8-3 record, while the Steelers sit at 6-5 and appear to be on a downward spiral.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has maintained a longstanding record of not finishing a season with a losing record throughout his 18 years with the team. However, Cowherd dismissed the importance of this achievement, labeling it an “arbitrary number” that fails to hold true value. He emphasized that while Steelers fans and ownership take pride in this record, the reality is that the Steelers are far from their former glory.
Despite Tomlin’s impressive track record, concerns have been raised about his ability to secure playoff victories, having not won a playoff game since 2016—a stark contrast to the performance of other top NFL franchises that have made necessary coaching changes over the years. Cowherd pointed out that teams like the Eagles and Ravens have moved on from their coaches within the last decade, while the Steelers cling to a tradition that may not suit the current competitive landscape.
Cowherd’s commentary drew parallels to other sports by likening the Steelers’ situation to the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, who have the longest active streak without a losing season yet are often ridiculed by their more successful city counterparts. This analogy further highlights the disconnect between historical pride and present-day performance.
The national media’s scrutiny suggests a potential strategy for the Steelers: to embrace a period of rebuilding. Cowherd proposed that a break from the past—possibly parting ways with Tomlin and drafting a new franchise quarterback—could be beneficial for the team’s future. He advocated for taking a strategic step back to ultimately secure long-term success.
The debate surrounding Tomlin and the Steelers raises important questions about the evolution of sports franchises in a competitive environment. As the landscape of the NFL continues to change, teams are often faced with the dilemma of maintaining stability versus embracing necessary transformations. For the Steelers, the upcoming decisions will be crucial as they navigate this crossroad between tradition and innovation, with fans eagerly awaiting a shift that could restore the team’s winning identity.