Pittsburgh, PA – April 15, 2025. As the 2025 NFL season looms, the Pittsburgh Steelers face mounting scrutiny after an 18th straight non-losing campaign ended in a wild-card defeat. Speculation about head coach Mike Tomlin’s future has reached a fever pitch, signaling a potential shakeup.
Despite a 10-7 record in 2024, Tomlin’s inability to secure a playoff win since 2016 has frayed fan patience. If the Steelers falter short of a deep playoff run in 2025, owner Art Rooney II may consider a coaching change, a stark reality after Tomlin’s storied tenure.
Amid this uncertainty, one candidate stands out as a prime successor to lead Pittsburgh’s next chapter: former NFL head coach Jon Gruden.
If Tomlin’s time ends, Gruden’s the guy to keep the Steelers’ fire burning, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport predicted.
Tomlin’s era has been remarkable—183 wins, a Super Bowl XLIII title, and no losing seasons since 2003—but at 53, whispers of fatigue have surfaced. A 2025 stumble could prompt Rooney to seek a fresh voice, especially with quarterback questions lingering.
Mike’s done wonders, but 2025 feels pivotal, a team source told ESPN.
Gruden, forced out by the Raiders in 2021 over controversial emails, remains a compelling choice. His offensive acumen, honed during a Super Bowl XXXVII win with Tampa Bay, aligns with Pittsburgh’s need to ignite an attack led by D.K. Metcalf and Jaylen Warren.
I’m studying every day, ready for one more shot, Gruden said on the Fitz and Whit podcast, hinting at a comeback.
Gruden’s ties to Pittsburgh run deep—he worked under Steelers legend Chuck Noll as a graduate assistant at Notre Dame. His fiery style could sustain the team’s gritty culture, blending seamlessly with stars like T.J. Watt.
Gruden’s passion matches Pittsburgh’s heartbeat, former coach Bill Cowher remarked.
George Pickens has praised Gruden’s offensive mind, suggesting quick locker room buy-in. Gruden’s AFC North familiarity, from facing the Steelers with Oakland, equips him to navigate a brutal division.
He’d get us clicking fast, Pickens told reporters last month.
Replacing Tomlin, a franchise icon, is daunting, but Gruden’s experience—128 career wins—and hunger to reclaim his legacy make him ideal. A new voice could propel Pittsburgh past its playoff drought into contention.
