For Tomlin, it shouldn’t just be about maintaining the status quo. It should be about reigniting the spark, embracing innovation, and adapting to an evolving NFL landscape. Steelers fans and media alike question whether Tomlin should move on entirely from coaching or take on a fresh challenge with another team.

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is not sure that the team needs to bottom out or ‘tank’ to land their next franchise quarterback. When asked about the notion, Tomlin brushed it off, citing examples from Lamar Jackson to Jalen Hurts.

The Steelers have won 80 regular-season games in the past eight seasons. They haven't won a playoff game in that same stretch, going 0-5. Tomlin said Tuesday his players frequently joke with him about one of his favorite cliches: "Two is a pattern." What about five?