As NFL Week 18 unfolds, The Athletic provides live coverage, turning the spotlight on two of the league’s most respected coaches: John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens and Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both coaches boast impressive Hall of Fame credentials but face a significant question: how long should teams stick with long-serving coaches who haven’t secured a Super Bowl victory in years?
Across their combined 30 full regular seasons, spanning 17 seasons for Tomlin and 13 for Harbaugh, neither coach has claimed the coveted championship since their last Super Bowl appearances. This Sunday’s matchup, a must-win for playoff aspirations, marks a pivotal moment as both teams vie for a spot in the postseason.
Historically, coaching tenures can span many years even after championship success. Don Shula holds the record for the longest coaching career of any coach, serving 22 seasons with the Miami Dolphins after his last Super Bowl win. Tomlin currently ranks second on that list, and Harbaugh ranks third. Tomlin is entering his 15th season since his last Super Bowl and has a contract that runs through 2026, while Harbaugh recently extended his contract for an additional three years.
As both coaches reflect on their careers, Tomlin finds himself just one victory away from tying with Steelers legend Chuck Noll for ninth place on the all-time wins list. Noll, celebrated for his four Super Bowl victories, also faced challenges in the latter years of his tenure, where the Steelers struggled to find postseason success.
The Seattle Seahawks’ recent decision to part ways with head coach Pete Carroll could offer valuable insights for organizations grappling with similar dilemmas. Following a successful start to his tenure, Carroll’s later years saw diminishing returns, prompting the franchise to seek a new direction. His successor, Mike Macdonald, has already shown improvement, boasting an impressive record and leading the team towards potential playoff success.
As the Ravens and Steelers prepare to face off, the NFL community watches closely, not just for the playoff implications of the game, but also for the broader questions surrounding coaching longevity and the pursuit of championships in today’s competitive landscape. This week’s events could signal a turning point for both franchises, shaping their futures and strategies heading into the next season.